2012 - The Legacy

Proposed question by Architect’s Choice magazine:

"Two years ago Trafalgar Square was the scene of ecstatic celebrations as a live video link to Singapore displayed International Olympic Committee President, Jacques Rogge, announcing the success of the London bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. But with the IOC website proudly counting down the five years, 16 days, eight hours and 15 minutes to go before the opening ceremony, thoughts turn to the practicalities of producing not only a spectacular Olympics but a lasting legacy. The 2012 Olympics has the potential to act as a catalyst for change kick starting a programme of much needed regeneration in areas such as the Lower Lea Valley. But with costs already spiraling, will the committee succeed in creating a legacy to be proud of, or will the city be left, like so many others, in the grips of a rather nasty hangover?"

COMMENT>>

Peter Owens' response:

"The first Olympic Games to be awarded to Britain were in 1908 when an eruption of Vesuvius led to the withdrawal of Rome as a venue. The White City Stadium in North London was constructed – in only 10 months."

"The most recent games were in 1948 when London again stepped into the breach. The British people had endured years of hardship. The Second World War and in particular the Blitz had taken its toll on London – much of which still lay in rubble. The Olympic Games were a welcome distraction from post-war austerity. The purity and excitement of sporting competition were an ideal focus for a recovering nation."

"London 2007 presents very different opportunities in a very different environment. Time has been available for planning, design and construction. Britain is now literate with the dynamics of regeneration through urban design and once again we invest in our cities."

"The ‘Millenium spree’ has led to both a new era of civic expression across Britain and many hard-earned fiscal lessons. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is an understated, elegant, precisely engineered icon of this cultural shift and its constructed legacy."

"Architecturally, Britain is now confident with a diversity of talented and world leading designers of both buildings and the public realm - from both large and small practices. Rightly, we should have high aspirations for what this once in a generation event can deliver, but equally we should be mindful that the Olympic Games are a sporting event (albeit of unique global impact) and not a programme of civic reconstruction."

"Underpinned with sound legacy planning, we must design to inspire. Architects and landscape architects can heighten the anticipation through forging the cauldrons – it is then for the athletes to deliver the true drama."

"A nasty hang-over ? Perhaps it depends on how good the previous night was…"