LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC SWIMMING POOL

This large open space counterbalances the future urban density of Stratford, enriching the neighborhood’s skyline while revealing the valley’s unique qualities. Above this body of water, a series of slightly offset platforms unfolds, capturing the light and creating a vibrant architectural effect. These overlapping rings, organized according to the various uses of the sports complex and their relationship to the site, generate an evolving silhouette, in constant dialogue with the landscape.
The building thus transcends its function as a facility to become a system capable of transforming the Olympic event into an experience open to a wide audience. The aquatics center, the temporary water polo facility, the technical spaces, and the power plant are all brought together within a single complex, minimizing the building’s footprint.

This modular system, both compact and flexible, allows the facility to be adapted over time: certain functions can be moved, replaced, or supplemented according to future needs. The transition to the legacy phase is therefore facilitated. After the temporary bleachers are dismantled, a new façade can be installed to reduce the size of the aquatic center and free up new spaces for concerts and events in the public area.

The whole thus creates an architecture in motion and transformation: a place for strolling, gathering, and celebrating, open to the surrounding landscape, day and night.