The success of this project was due to an effective client, strong leadership and great collaboration between leading architectural firms.
The Park helped unify the iconic architectural projects of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, such as the Stadium, Aquatics Centre, Multi-Use Arena and Velodrome, all of which are now converted to public use, as well as temporary venues and the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the UK’s tallest sculpture.
Large areas of new public space were planted, utilities carefully re-routed, and the previously canalised River Lea transformed into a three dimensional mosaic of wetland, swales, wet woodland, dry woodland and meadow, together forming an absorbent, natural flood-control measure.
The project required a flawless approach to developing the site, while maintaining strict standards of quality and sustainability that would leave a legacy beyond the Games.
To achieve this, the Olympic Delivery Authority pioneered the role of ‘landscape engineer’, where engineering teams led by landscape architects masterminded the creation of public realm and landscape.
The Park was at the centre of the most sustainable Olympic Games in history. Care was taken to minimize resources, use recycled materials in construction, create diverse habitats across the post-industrial landscape, and plan ahead for legacy re-use at every stage.
2012 Olympic Games Park client: John Hopkins and Phil Askew, Olympic Delivery Authority Lead designer, landscape architect, master planner, multi-disciplinary team leadership, management and coordination of all sub-consultants: LDA Design with Hargreaves Associates (LDAH)
Technical landscape architecture and landscape engineering – multi-disciplinary engineering team leadership, design review, coordination of landscape and public realm consultant teams, production of detailed design, site coordination and implementation: Arup (South Park) and Atkins (North Park)
Planting strategy: Professor Nigel Dunnett and Professor James Hitchmough with Sarah Price
Design team planning and management: Buro Four
