Architectural Model thumbnail 1
Architectural Model thumbnail 2
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Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, level D , Case EXP

Architectural Model

2012 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The London Aquatics Centre was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects for the London 2012 Olympic Games. It is positioned opposite the Olympic Stadium on the south eastern edge of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. The design concept is inspired by the fluidity of water in motion which is apparent in the undulating roof that sweeps up from the ground as a wave.

Zaha Hadid Architects designed the building to be flexible with an ‘Olympic mode’ and a ‘Legacy mode.’ The ‘Olympic mode’ design incorporated temporary wings on either side of the building to accommodate additional seating. Once the Games ended these wings were removed and replaced with glazing to fill the space between the spectator stands and the roof.

This model was specially commissioned for the V&A. The specification for the model was originally prepared by Zaha Hadid Architects in 2010, and was slightly modified to meet the needs of the V&A. It was made by Unit 22 Modelmakers who are regularly used by Zaha Hadid Architects to provide models as they do not have an in-house modelmaking workshop.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Architectural Models
  • Architectural Models
Materials and techniques
Timber, MDF, plastic, acrylic
Brief description
Architectural model of the Aquatic Centre for the London 2012 Olympic Games, designed by Zaha Hadid, made by Unit 22 Modelmakers, timber and MDF with plastic cladding, London, 2012
Physical description
Architectural model of the Aquatic Centre for the London 2012 Olympic Games. The model is made from timber and MDF clad in off-white plastic. The top surface of each of the pools is modelled using blue tinted acrylic that can be subtly illuminated by led lights concealed beneath the pool. The roof is removable.
Dimensions
  • Height: 550mm (Note: approx)
  • Width: 980mm (Note: approx)
  • Depth: 750mm (Note: approx)
Subject depicted
Association
Summary
The London Aquatics Centre was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects for the London 2012 Olympic Games. It is positioned opposite the Olympic Stadium on the south eastern edge of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. The design concept is inspired by the fluidity of water in motion which is apparent in the undulating roof that sweeps up from the ground as a wave.

Zaha Hadid Architects designed the building to be flexible with an ‘Olympic mode’ and a ‘Legacy mode.’ The ‘Olympic mode’ design incorporated temporary wings on either side of the building to accommodate additional seating. Once the Games ended these wings were removed and replaced with glazing to fill the space between the spectator stands and the roof.

This model was specially commissioned for the V&A. The specification for the model was originally prepared by Zaha Hadid Architects in 2010, and was slightly modified to meet the needs of the V&A. It was made by Unit 22 Modelmakers who are regularly used by Zaha Hadid Architects to provide models as they do not have an in-house modelmaking workshop.
Collection
Accession number
E.476:1,2-2015

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Record createdAugust 4, 2015
Record URL
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