London 2012 ArcelorMittal Orbit

Olympic Park

Proposals for a sculpture and viewing platform in the Olympic Park. Designed by Anish Kapoor, Cecil Balmond and Ushida Findlay.

Summary

We welcome the opportunity to comment on the ArcelorMittal Orbit, which would be a unique addition to the Olympic Park and London’s skyline. The interest of the Orbit is as much about the sensory experience of exploring a large-scale sculpture as it is about creating a landmark. Fulfilling its potential on both these levels will depend on its structure, architectural elements and the landscape at its base reinforcing the concept of the Orbit as a work of art. Our comments are given in this light to ensure that the artistic integrity and quality of the project is matched by its architectural, structural and landscape dimensions.

Since our previous review of the planning application, additional information has been provided by the design team, with further explanation of design decisions and some more detailed design work. We appreciate the effort which has gone into producing this information on a tight schedule. However, we still have reservations about the level of detail to which the Orbit’s design and operation has so far been resolved. If, notwithstanding CABE’s reservations, the ODA is minded to grant planning permission for the project, we recommend that robust conditions should be attached to the planning approval to ensure that these concerns are addressed fully. We recommend that the conditions should apply particularly to the design of the entrance pavilion and plant compound, viewing platforms, lift, stairs and their fixings, and integration with the landscape of the Olympic Park. The conditions should be satisfied before any elements of the scheme which are contingent on their satisfaction are allowed to start on site.

Entrance pavilion and plant compound

We welcome the decision to make the base of the Orbit an open area where the art work can be appreciated without interference from ticketing booths and security cordons. Recognising that the entrance pavilion and plant compound at the base of the Orbit are necessary, it is important also to recognise that they will play an important role in defining the setting and first experiences of this work of art. We understand the intention to design these buildings as simple, utilitarian but elegant structures, clearly distinct from the Orbit itself. However, despite additional information on their design, we remain concerned that these buildings will create some unattractive spaces at the base of the Orbit, for example, the area to the west of the plant compound. We also think their relationship with legacy development to the south needs further thought. The south elevations of the entry pavilion and plant compound currently give the impression that they are the backs of these buildings, despite their location facing legacy development. Overall, we think further thought is needed to resolve the siting and design of these ancillary buildings, to ensure that they make a positive contribution to the concept of a festival landscape to the south of the Olympic Park.

Viewing platforms

Faceted windows around the perimeter of the circular floor plan seem a poor relation to the complex geometry of the steel structure, as well as the convex mirrors which are one of the principle expressions of the artist’s vision. We understand that this is partly because of a need for the external glazing to be blast proof. The square central atrium is more convincing as a means of minimising mullions within acceptable cost limits. There is an aspiration to install concave mirrors either side of the upper level viewing platform, although this does not form part of the current application. These mirrors could create a unique experience for visitors. However we note the precedent images showing concave mirrors reflecting landscape are misleading. In the Orbit, these would reflect the interior space and crowds of people and, one assumes, some of the London skyline, rather than open landscapes. We think that further exploration of these details, through drawings, models and accurate visualisations should be required through a planning condition.

Lift, stairs and downpipes

We welcome the seamless coiling of the stairs around the tower, and the detailed thinking about its construction, clad in metal mesh. Some further information on the fixing of the stair to the main structure has been provided since our previous review of the planning application. Additional information has also been provided on the construction of the entrance trumpet, lift and downpipes from WCs and kitchen. The resolution of these construction details will be essential to ensure that such mundane requirements do not downgrade the quality of the Orbit as an art work. The level of detail provided is not yet sufficient to be certain that these important details are elegantly resolved, as a coherent part of the structure. In our view conditions will be required to allow the planning authority to ensure the design quality of these elements.

Integration into the Olympic Park

We support the concept of the Orbit as a free standing sculptural object, requiring minimal alteration to the landscape of the Olympic Park in which it sits. Despite additional information, we continue to be concerned that the practical requirements of operating the Orbit as a visitor attraction have not been adequately explored in the planning application. For example, if the Orbit proves as popular as is hoped, there will be a need for queuing systems, with perhaps several lines for people with different pre-booked ticket times. There will also be a need to accommodate people turning up without a ticket. Although proposals for waiting areas are included in the Transport Statement, we think the circulation and queuing requirements are more complex than these diagrams suggest. For example, we suspect that fences may be required around the Orbit, to control crowd flows during Games time, and for security reasons in Legacy mode. This could have a detrimental impact on the setting of the Orbit, and result in loss of public access to an area of the Olympic Park.

We understand that blue badge parking will be provided, and there will be a need for deliveries, particularly when the lower viewing platform is hired out for events. Illustrative layouts are provided to show where these could be accommodated. We do not find these layouts convincing, particularly the relationship between Legacy development and coach parking and service access for the Orbit, and pedestrian routes to the site.

The location of the Orbit is close to the Olympic Stadium, which is designed to take an external wrap, for which LOCOG are responsible. The appearance of this wrap is yet to be decided as part of LOCOG’s work to establish a clear ‘look and brand’ for the 2012 Olympics. The relationship between the Orbit’s form and colour, and this wrap requires further investigation. CABE would be interested to comment on proposals for the wrap when they become available.

We also note the planning permission for an Olympic Cauldron adjacent to the Main Stadium, which if built could be a taller structure than the Orbit, at a height of up to 150m. This would call into question both the location for the Orbit and its height, if a second tall structure were constructed in such close proximity.

Sustainability

CABE has consistently encouraged the Olympic Delivery Authority’s strong attitude to low energy and sustainable design. We are pleased to hear that the Orbit will be constructed from 60% recycled steel, with 25% of concrete from recycled sources, and 75% of bulk materials other than steel transported to site by rail. In addition the Orbit will be connected to the Olympic Park combined cooling heat and power system. We would encourage the Olympic Delivery Authority Planning Decisions Team to ensure these aspirations are achieved by setting clear targets through the planning process. London 2012 aspires to be ‘the most sustainable Games yet’ and every effort should be made to ensure that the Orbit contributes to this ambition.

Legacy development

We welcome the Olympic Park Legacy Company’s intention to revisit their development proposals for the area around the Orbit, to provide it with a positive setting. As well as being a landmark for London as a whole, we agree with the Legacy Company that the Orbit has great potential as a marker and attractor for the local area. Careful attention will need to be paid to the orientation of streets, spaces and buildings in legacy development, to take full advantage of this opportunity. Whilst in Olympic mode, the tower is conceived as a free standing object in the spectator concourse. We think legacy development in closer proximity could be equally effective, and this could draw attention to the heroic scale of the Orbit. We would also encourage the Legacy Company to consider how facilities such as a ticket office, restaurants, cafes and WCs associated with the Orbit could be integrated into the lower floors of their proposed developments.