'Simple, elegant' proposal for temporary Olympic stadium praised by CABE and Design for London

HOK's plans for a temporary Olympic stadium have been praised by CABE (the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) and Design for London. They welcome the simple, elegant and efficient idea for a temporary Olympic stadium with a permanent facility that will become part of the Legacy Park long after the Games are over.

The original proposal for a floating horizontal wrap has now been superseded by a 'wall' of vertical banners. CABE and Design for London want to ensure that this highly visible element of the Olympic venue is striking and welcome the intention of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) to involve an artist in creating its design.

There are concerns that aspects of the design remain unresolved at this stage in the planning process - for example the proposed temporary 'pods' and public space around the stadium. This raises serious questions about how and when these elements will be addressed, and by whom, since they are not the responsibility of the stadium design team. CABE and Design for London stress that the surrounding landscape must not detract from the stadium and visitors' enjoyment of it.

Paul Finch, chair of the London 2012 design review panel, comments: 'We think the idea is smart and appropriate and that the stadium will be a spectacular feature of the 2012 Games. As for our reservations, we have every confidence that these can be addressed by the ODA and LOCOG working together as a joint client with their skilled and experienced architects and designers.'

CABE and Design for London continue to support the ODA's approach to sustainability but urge it to consider carefully how the steel of the stadium and the temporary accommodation will be re-located or reused after the Games.

Notes to editor

• CABE and Design for London's full comments on the stadium are available online.
• CABE's design review is a free advice service, offering expert independent assessments of schemes that will have a significant impact on their environment. A London 2012 design review panel has been established with the London Development Agency's Design for London to advise the ODA on the quality, sustainability and legacy of the London 2012 proposals.
• CABE is the government's advisor on architecture, urban design and public space. As a public body, we encourage policymakers to create places that work for people. We help local planners apply national design policy and offer expert advice to developers and architects. We show public sector clients how to commission buildings that meet the needs of their users. And we seek to inspire the public to demand more from their buildings and spaces. Advising, influencing and inspiring, we work to create well-designed, welcoming places. www.cabe.org.uk