Zaha Hadid Architects will not compete to provide an alternative main stadium design for the 2020 Olympics, according to Construction Drive. The firm was unable to find a construction company to work with on the project.
Zaha Hadid designed the original Olympic Stadium concept in 2012. The 3.1 million-sf stadium drew attention for its futuristic design. It was set to hold track-and-field events and the opening and closing ceremonies.
After rising costs (from $1.3 billion to around $2 billion), construction delays, design issues, and other complaints from figures in the architectural world, Japan announced in July 2015 that the nation would drop Zaha Hadid and consider new proposals for a stadium.
Even after that, the firm introduced a new bid that it called “the most cost-effective delivery plan,” according to the AP. Zaha Hadid partnered with engineering company Nikken Sekkei for a new design, but couldn’t find a new contractor.
Related Stories
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 13, 2016
Cubs take a measured approach when planning HD video boards
Along with the mammoth and super-sharp video boards, Wrigley Field's 1060 Project includes renovated bleachers, upgraded player amenities, and more concourses, decks, and concessions.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 13, 2016
More than a game: 4 ways sports teams are adapting to changing fan preferences
As the cost of tickets, parking, and concessions skyrockets, while home theater technology becomes more affordable, fans wonder: Why even bother going to the game? Here’s how progressive sports owners and Building Teams are packing stadium seats.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 11, 2016
Chicago Cubs continue Wrigley Field renovations with new clubhouse
The team found 30,000 sf of space underneath an old parking lot, nearly tripling the size of the old clubhouse.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 6, 2016
Las Vegas debuts another new arena, with a number of ‘firsts’
The gambling mecca has its eyes on attracting a pro sports team.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 5, 2016
The importance of true cost-modeling for sports facilities
Many factors prevent sports facilities from immediate profitability. Rider Levett Bucknall’s Peter Knowles and Steve Kelly write that cost modeling, the process of estimating construction expenses by analyzing fixed and variable expenses, can push facility development to financial success.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 1, 2016
San Diego Chargers announce plan for downtown stadium and convention center
The project will be funded primarily by a tax increase on hotel stays.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 31, 2016
An extreme sports tower for climbing and BASE jumping is proposed for Dubai’s waterfront
The design incorporates Everest-like base camps for different skill levels.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 29, 2016
New skatepark complex has three levels of surfaces and obstacles
Guy Hollaway Architects designed an indoor 10,700-sf park in Folkestone, England, to accommodate BMX biking, skateboarding, and other extreme sports.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 25, 2016
Minnesota Timberwolves join pack of NBA teams with new high-res video screens
The Wolves, Charlotte Hornets, and Sacramento Kings have new multi-paneled center-hung displays planned for their arenas.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 24, 2016
Barcelona hoops arena will rattle opponents with wall of raucous fans
HOK and TAC Arquitectes designed a basketball palace that will have intimate seating inside and public space outside.