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
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.
Digital technology, transformation and cybersecurity
Supporting SMEs through Digitalisation in Construction.
Villa Wolf in Gubin, history and reconstruction. Book review.
Construction contract awards down one billion pounds
Decline over the past two months compared to the same period last year, follows the positive start to the year.
Editor's broadbrush view on forms of electrical heating in context.