Spectacular Temporary Arena
Ten years ago, the 2012 Olympic Games took place in Stratford in the East End of London. This week, to remember that great occasion I'm posting a number of photos taken over the course of the two weeks. Some are improved versions of shots already posted, but the majority are new images I've not previously shared with the public.
The Basketball Arena had 12,000 seats for Olympic basketball and the semi-finals and finals of the Olympic handball, and 10,000 for Paralympic wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby. Earlier, the arena had also used as a holding area for athletes during the Opening Ceremony. Concept designs by Wilkinson Eyre Architects were agreed in June 2008 and a planning application was submitted that November.
It was a temporary venue, and the largest built for any Games. The possibility of subsequently deconstructing the arena and transporting it to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Summer Olympics was discussed, though the plan was shelved due to doubts from some Brazilian officials about its feasibility.
Paisley-based Barr Construction began building the main arena in spring 2010, completing it in 15 months in June 2011. After the Stadium, I think it is the most iconic building on the Olympic Park.
Spectacular Temporary Arena
Ten years ago, the 2012 Olympic Games took place in Stratford in the East End of London. This week, to remember that great occasion I'm posting a number of photos taken over the course of the two weeks. Some are improved versions of shots already posted, but the majority are new images I've not previously shared with the public.
The Basketball Arena had 12,000 seats for Olympic basketball and the semi-finals and finals of the Olympic handball, and 10,000 for Paralympic wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby. Earlier, the arena had also used as a holding area for athletes during the Opening Ceremony. Concept designs by Wilkinson Eyre Architects were agreed in June 2008 and a planning application was submitted that November.
It was a temporary venue, and the largest built for any Games. The possibility of subsequently deconstructing the arena and transporting it to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Summer Olympics was discussed, though the plan was shelved due to doubts from some Brazilian officials about its feasibility.
Paisley-based Barr Construction began building the main arena in spring 2010, completing it in 15 months in June 2011. After the Stadium, I think it is the most iconic building on the Olympic Park.