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.
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