1. Design journeys Velodrome

2. © Antony Palmer Inspired by Design

3. The design process for a building involves many stages, including sketching and exploring ideas. The architects of the Velodrome and VeloPark, Hopkins Architects, went on a design journey which incorporated the Values: inspiration, excellence and determination. © Hopkins Architects Inspired by Design

4. Inspiration Hopkins Architects took inspiration from 3 main points: The dynamism of racing – the built form to reflect this and the geometry of a track A permanent brief – a 6,000 seat building designed for legacy, with the 2012 Games as “house-warming” Bringing spectators close to the action © Hopkins Architects Inspired by Design

5. The structural concept was:For the building to be lightweight and efficient (like a bicycle)To create a striking double curved roof and timber bowl which ‘shrink- wraps’ the building around the track To construct the roof using a tension only net system – like a spider’s web or tennis racket. © Hopkins Architects Inspired by Design

6. Hopkins Architects worked hard as a team, and with other construction professionals, to achieve an innovative cable-net roof that weighs roughly one tenth of the Beijing velodrome. A glazed concourse between the seating tiers allows views inside into the track and views out to the park. Inspired by Design © Hopkins Architects

7. Excellence Working with engineers and other consultants, the architects achieved design excellence:In making the roof from 16km cable – this was winched up from the ground, providing a safer environment to work in.In sustainability measures – natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting, rooflights to maximise natural daylight and 28% recycled content. Inspired by Design © Hopkins Architects

8. Determination The design team also demonstrated determination when:Creating a new and improved VeloPark in consultation with the Eastway cycling community Creating the best velodrome to break world records. Inspired by Design

9. In legacy mode the VeloPark, with the Velodrome at the centre, will provide a whole host of cycling opportunities for the community and for visitors returning after the 2012 Games. Inspired by Design © Hopkins Architects

10. Further information about the Velodrome Get Set Construction Kit: http://getset.london2012.com/ Video in RIBA Stirling Prize section: http://www.architecture.com/Awards/RIBAStirlingPrize RIBAStirlingPrize2011/RIBAStirlingPrize2011videos.aspx#velo Hopkins Architects: http://www.hopkins.co.uk/projects/_3,131/ www.architecture.com/inspiredbydesign