London 2012 Velopark

Olympic Delivery Authority

Velodrome and permanent BMX track for London's 2012 Olympic Park with seating for 6,000. Designed by Hopkins Architects.

Summary

We think the Velodrome has the potential to be an elegant landmark marking the northern edge of the Olympic Park. It will be important to ensure the elegance of the design is achieved in the specifics of the architecture. We also encourage the application of the same rigour and commitment demonstrated in the design of the building to create an appropriate landscape setting of similarly high quality to allow the building to shine. It will be essential to develop a landscape strategy for the Velopark in Legacy that defines how the wider landscape will function for all users of the Park, not just for cyclists.

Architectural expression

We understand the reasons for simplifying the complex roof shapes of the competition scheme, especially in the light of the overrun on the budget. We are encouraged that the design of the Velodrome successfully recaptures the spirit of the original. However, the success of this design will depend on how effectively the building form is expressed in the detail, for example, by ensuring that the timber cladding is articulated so that it is integral to the bowl form to heighten its impact. We would also encourage the design team to ensure that the internal volume is detailed to achieve an impressive spectator space comparable in impact to that imagined for the original double curved design. It would be unfortunate if elements such as plastic seating in the upper bowl detracted from the potential wonder of this space. We welcome the principle of providing views in and out of the building at concourse level and we welcome the measures to mitigate the impact of low direct sunlight.

We continue to support the concept of the floating roof form. We welcome the evolution of the roof from a steel to a hybrid cablenet/glulam structure which reduces the prominence of the piers supporting it so that it appears to be held up by a ribbon of glass, as originally intended. The impact of the roof detailing and the quality and durability of the roof finish will be critical. We would expect the Kalzip standing seam aluminium roof system to have been fully tested to ensure the implications of using this material are fully understood. The form of the roof lights will be an essential element in the roof design, both in terms of structure and cladding. We are pleased to note that the rooflights will sit flush with the roof itself.

We acknowledge the reasons for not making use of photovoltaic panels in this instance.

The handling of the interface between the timber bowl, gutter, and the roof edge will need careful consideration both in terms of visual impact and in respect of the detailing of the gutter. We are pleased with the resolution of the continuous gutter set behind the roof edge which should help manage water run off effectively. However, it will be important to anticipate the degree of shelter offered by the bowl to visitors on rainy days and how the timber will weather, having particular regard to the potential for staining around the panel fixings. It will be critical for all aspects of the roof and bowl design to be conditioned appropriately.

Landscape setting

It is essential to consider how the Velodrome relates to its immediate landscape setting, as well as how people will use the Velopark both during and after Games. The building should be seen to integrate fully into the site's varied topography and the anticipated route network for Legacy. In terms of the sectional relationship, it will be important to achieve a sculptural landscape that responds to the building form. As proposed, the immediate landscape setting is a formal set piece. Therefore, the formal berm structure requires a clear idea of how the transition from ground level to level +17 (concourse level) is resolved, including the handling of the edge conditions. We understand that the slopes that define the berm structure are to be planted. This could play well against the building, and help one understand the distinction between the building and the landscape. However, this will only work if robust planting, such as the ivy suggested, is chosen; grass, which would require continued upkeep, may not achieve the desired effect. We acknowledge the use of a balustrade at concourse level. We advise that this is consistent with the palette of streetscape materials proposed for the Park at large. 

The local authority should also assure itself that the ramps and steps cutting across the berm structure reinforce its form and ensure ease of access to the venue and routes passing the venue. The transition in levels from landscape to berm and venue will need to be handled effectively to ensure that access to and within the venue is intuitive, legible and functional for all users both in Olympic and Legacy modes. The local authority should satisfy itself that the proposals comply with current access regulations. The resolution of all these details will be critical in defining the relationship between the berm, stadium bowl and the roof structure above. Achieving the right solution will add strength and clarity to the roof form and ensure that it 'floats' over the landscape, as envisaged in the competition scheme.

The local authority should also assure itself that car parking is integrated into the landscape to respond sympathetically to the geometry of the building and site. Travel distances from the disabled car park to the venue will also need to be taken into account.

Velopark layout in Legacy

We recognise the challenge faced by the design team in proposing a solution for the wider Velopark without the benefit of a finalised plan for the Olympic Park agreed by the Lee Valley Park Authority, ODA and LDA. We also acknowledge the effort in resolving the mechanics of accommodating the cycle circuits and trails on the south side of the road within the Velopark. However, we are concerned that the same degree of thinking has not yet been given to how this challenging technical environment will be opened up to pedestrians, everyday cyclists, and to those with physical disabilities. We would strongly object to a landscape masterplan based on the illustrative scheme provided in the planning application given its apparent lack of appreciation of this issue. Its failure to either suggest key pedestrian routes, or create convincing spaces out of the landscape is particularly worrying. Unless this is addressed, there is a risk that the landscape could alienate local communities and visitors seeking to use the Velopark and the key links in this part of the wider park network.

In order to address these shortcomings, the Velopark landscape plan will need to use the technical requirements for the circuits to determine the optimum physical dimensions for spaces within the Velopark. This would assist in reconciling the technical requirements of the cyclist with the everyday needs of the pedestrian while keeping restricted fenced areas to a minimum. While these aspects are being resolved, operating principles for the site could be established. These principles should define key pedestrian routes, (for example, from Stratford City, via the Velodrome north over the A12, or along the river) and the character and function of spaces within the Velopark, differentiating between the busy cycle tracks, and the safe and quieter through paths. This work should also address management and maintenance strategies for the landscape 'islands' created within the cycle circuits which, as illustrated, would be isolated and neglected over time. It should also ensure that hard surfaces remain free of street clutter. In the case of the piazza space to the south of the Velodrome, as the connection to Stratford City and the key southern entrance into the site, this route should be as obvious and straightforward as possible.

It will be essential for this plan to demonstrate how pedestrian and cycle routes will work with the topography and weave between cycle tracks, to anticipate desire lines to the northern parts of the Park from the Stratford area and the southern part of the Park. This should define the degree of higher level planting to be established as part of the choreography of the circuit. There should be a particular focus on defining the experience of crossing the bridge over the A12 from Eton Manor and bridge C01 to the Velodrome, which will function as the main entrance into the Olympic Park from the north. The design team should work closely alongside the landscape and Legacy Masterplan design teams to develop a co-ordinated approach to resolve this, as well as a comprehensive strategy for the function and character of the bridge crossings identified over the River Lea. These discussions should consider the design and layout of fencing and lighting for the circuits to understand their impact on the character of the Park, the implications for pedestrian movement and disabled access, and the continuity of free public use.

Furthermore, the proposals for the Park and Public Realm and the Legacy masterplan will need to recognise the importance placed on the key views both from and towards the Velodrome highlighted by the Velopark submission. Unless these are secured, the experience of this impressive venue could be substantially diminished.

Conclusion

The design team should continue its dialogue with the Lee Valley Park Authority, the ODA and LDA to create a landscape setting that respects the integrity of the Velodrome as the 'jewel in the crown' of the Olympic Park and which creates the circumstances for it to shine. We are confident that the landscape approach identified for the berm structure can be secured through conditions. However, questions remain over how the Park landscape will work beyond the immediate confines of the Velodrome, who will be charged with delivering and maintaining it, and how it will integrate with the landscape proposals outside the red line boundary. The local authority should be confident that during the Games and Legacy the Velopark will promote ease of movement for all and secure the creation of an environment that functions as an inspiring venue for cyclists and welcoming park for everyone.