Although the 2012 London Olympics concluded last August, RIBA president Angela Brady and New London Architecture chairman Peter Murray continued to lead a fierce campaign against the strict International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules that forbid architectural practices who contributed to the design and construction of the venues from promoting their work. Months later, a compromise has finally been met and the architects will now allowed to discuss their contributions freely.
Brady said: “The majority of architects and designers we were standing up for in the campaign were young small businesses who just wanted to be able to promote their work. It’s great that they are now able to speak freely about their contribution.”
As reported on BDOnline the Department for Culture Media & Sport has set up a “supplier recognition scheme” with the British Olympic Association and the IOC that will allow firms to obtain a free license for promoting their work at trade shows, apply for industry awards, and use their involvement in direct pitches and tender documents. In addition, the release of this gag order will also give licensed firms free access to the Olympic Delivery Authority’s photo library, which features thousands of photos of each project.
Culture secretary Maria Miller responded, “By lifting these restrictions we will be able to maximize the economic benefits from the Games.”
Refresh your memory on the extraordinary structures of the 2012 London Olympics here.
