A splash of colour and a striking new piece of architecture for the Olympic Park was unveiled today as the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) announced the completion of a key footbridge that features a design inspired by the London 2012 brand colours.
The central park footbridge spans over the River Lea at a focal point between the Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre, and features both permanent and temporary elements to integrate Games and legacy use.
A design competition was held in 2007 to select an emerging architectural and engineering practice to create a key piece of architecture in the centre of the Park. Dublin-based Heneghan Peng Architects, with Adams Kara Taylor Engineers, were selected as the winning team and the construction of their winning bridge design has now been completed.
The bridge features two permanent footbridges linked by a central blade-like walkway, creating a ‘Z’ shape clad in mirror-finish stainless steel that spans the River Lea. For Games-time, a multi-coloured temporary deck has been placed between the permanent spans of the bridge to increase the width, allowing it to carry increased spectator numbers. The temporary Games-time bridge deck has been covered with a multi-coloured rubber surface inspired by the London 2012 brand colours.
Construction work is now 90 per cent complete on more than 30 new bridges and underpasses that cross waterways, roads and rivers to create a connected, open and accessible Olympic Park for Games and legacy.
For further information please contact the Olympic Delivery Authority Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 700 or visit their website at www.london2012.com.
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.