Architect-led design team wins contract to design temporary 12,000-seat arena

A Wilkinson Eyre-led design team has won the contract to design the 2012 Olympics basketball arena.

The firms saw off competition from Grimshaw, 3D Reid and David Morley Architects to win the contract for the temporary arena.

Housing 12,000 spectators, it will host the basketball, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby events during the 2012 Games. It is to be situated near the Olympic Stadium.

Ricky Burdett, chief adviser to the ODA on architecture and urbanism, said: 鈥淭he design team were selected for their ability to integrate structural integrity with architectural expression, backed up with experience, capacity, creativity and a deep understanding of the complex brief.鈥�

The team is made up of Wilkinson Eyre, KSS Design Group, Sinclair Knight Merz and Nussli International.

Procurement for a construction contractor will begin in early 2008, with construction anticipated in 2011.

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