James Corner Field Operations wins South Park competition; Erect architecture wins North Competition

James Corner Field Operations and their design partners have won the Olympic Park Legacy Company’s South Park competition and the team led by erect architecture have won the North Park competition.

The two winning teams will now go on to develop their concept designs for visitor centres and the surrounding public space for the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London.

Malcolm Reading, the competition organiser, said,

‘This has been an exceptional competition. Both winning teams struck exactly the right note in responding to two very different briefs.

‘The South Park winning design features a resilient overlay of formal and informal landscape elements that have been assembled into a constellation of inventive spaces nestled around the major structures in this part of the Park.

‘On the North, a very creative young practice has brought together what at first sight seems to be a loose-fit design but is in fact a beautifully considered hub building in a landscape full of excitement and diversity.

‘Both designs’ presentations clearly addressed the key issues of the client, were comprehensible and beautifully presented. The overall standard was very high indeed.’ 

James Corner Field Operations led a collaborative team including ARUP, Make Architects, tomato, Piet Oudolf, L’Observatoire International, Groundbreaking, Playlink and Deloitte.

The south park site links four spectacular attractions in the immediate vicinity: the 114m tall ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture, the landmark Aquatics Centre, the Olympic Stadium and the London 2012 Gardens.  The design challenge set by the competition (launched with its sister North Park competition in July this year) was to create a strong landscape framework for this pivotal area with an integrated visitor centre.

Erect architecture led a collaborative team including Tall Engineers, Max Fordham, Land Use Consultants, Ashley McMormick, Huntley Cartwright and Children’s Play Advisory Service.

The north park site benefits from the unique setting of the River Lea with its waterways, paths and extensive green space.  The commission for a new visitor centre and an outstanding playground will provide a rich resource for the local community and draw visitors from wider afield.

The projects are due for completion in 2013/2014.

See the winning concept designs North Park

See the winning concept designs South Park

All press enquiries to the Olympic Park Legacy Company Media Team on:

+44 (0) 20 3288 1777, +44 (0) 7817 386 499 or email: press@legacycompany.co.uk