Olympic Velodrome in London by Michael Hopkins

Since Thursday, July 12, 2007, the well-known winner of the invited international competition for the Olympic Velodrome in London has been announced. The competition for VeloPark (a cycling hall with an adjacent park) included David Chipperfield, Dominique Perrault, Wilkinson Eyre, and FOA. In the competition of eight teams, Michael Hopkins with the London office of Sanda Douma Associates ultimately emerged victorious. Their winning design is immediately striking due to the floating giant roof, which is actually supported by a network of thin columns. The dramatic form of the roof aims to express the excitement of cycling races. The geometry of the roof simultaneously derives from the profiles of the racing lanes. Inside the stadium, there will be 6,000 seats. Spectators will be able to sit close to the action on the track. Next to the hall, the adjacent VeloPark will also serve cyclists, offering cycling paths, obstacle courses, and other attractions. Hopkins's office also participated in the competition for the Olympic Media Center. Their already secured contract for VeloPark does not diminish their chances in this competition. Construction of the hall is set to begin no sooner than two years from now and should be completed a year before the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Link>