Design review comments for London 2012 projects

A new report by CABE and Design for London talks about London 2012's Aquatic Centre, Olympic Stadium, urban design and landscape framework.

The Aquatic Centre, Olympic Stadium and urban design and landscape framework for the London 2012 Olympic Games all show promise and potential, according to CABE and Design for London.

The London 2012 design review panel said that HOK Sport's plans for a temporary Olympic stadium were 'unprecedented'. The idea cleverly avoids the risk run by a permanent structure, of becoming a white ele. The drama of its construction and disassembly could even be an important part of the Olympic spectacle. There was also praise for Zaha Hadid Architects' Aquatic Centre with its sculptural roof, although crucial details of that roof still need development.

CABE and Design for London liked EDAW and Allies and Morrison's urban design and landscape framework, and found it comprehensive and well structured. They welcomed the strategy to treat the utilities buildings as significant architectural features integrated into the Park, which can then act as a visible legacy of a sustainable Olympic Games.

But it wasn't all praise. The reviewers are concerned about the bridges at the Aquatic Centre and the stadium bridges in the Olympic Park because of the way they are being dealt with in the planning process. The stadium bridges are being considered as a Reserved Matters planning application which does not define important design elements. CABE and Design for London have urged an integrated and coherent approach throughout. It was also felt that separating architecture, landscape and engineering in some of the infrastructure projects impacted on design quality.

The London 2012 panel was established with Design for London to advise the Olympic Delivery Authority on London 2012 projects. It is chaired by Paul Finch.

Design review comments for London 2012

• Aquatic centre
• Aquatic centre bridges
• Olympic urban design and landscape framework
• Main stadium layout and substructures
• Stadium bridges