Zaha Hadid Inspired by the "Fluid Movement of Water" While Designing the London Aquatic Centre

London Aquatic Centre. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Stratford, England.

The London Aquatics Centre was designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect Zaha Hadid in 2004, prior to London winning the bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympics. Hadid’s concept was of fluidity, water in motion, and a feeling of freedom. This inspiration came from the sport housed inside as well as its location along the river. The design includes a continuous wave-like roof made from timber skin and sculptural exposed concrete curves and finishes. The 628 panels of glass flood the space with natural light, providing views of the stadium and sky while you swim. In addition, the facility has achieved a BREEAM Innovation Credit for its unusual use of concrete mix. Its sustainability credentials are inherent and exemplary. The facility uses 32% less potable water compared to other pools due to its low flow filling system and by recycling water. This is all the more impressive when noting it’s atop 2 tunnels, next to the river, sandwiched between a waterway and rail line, and surrounded by vast elevated concourses. It opened to the public in 2014. A future post will look at the impact the Olympic development has had on the community.