Up at the O2
It was the most visited building in the world in the millennium year and had better visitor satisfaction numbers than Disney. But the Dome took years to recover from the battering the press gave it following opening night security problems.
As a construction project, it was a remarkable success. A unique landmark building, completed on time and delivered under budget, the Dome cost less per m2 than a retail park shed.
12 years on, and with the Olympic gymnastics taking place 50m below, we went back to experience the brilliant new walk over the Dome roof ‘up at the O2’. The architect, the engineer and two of the project managers (all now involved in Designing Buildings Wiki) re-united and curious to see what they had done to ‘our’ building.
This was a chance to see the Dome from a different perspective. It was fantastic to think that way down below us, athletes were competing for Olympic gold in the world's busiest music arena. It’s a great legacy.
‘Up at the 02’ itself is genuinely like climbing a mountain, and the view from the top is spectacular. Canary Wharf, the Olympic Park and the Dome spread out below us and the Shard in the distance, all testimony to what our industry is capable of.
If you’re not already, follow us on Twitter @DesigningB to be kept up to date with the latest additions to the site and to share your feedback with us.
Featured articles and news
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
An introduction to WERCS and WEEE responsibilities
Dealing with 2 million tonnes of waste equipment a year.
Global BACS Market: analytics and optimisation
A BSRIA glance at building automation and control systems.
What it is and how to use it.
Types of insulating plaster by binder and insulant.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.