The summer Olympics has had a lasting effect on architecture. Today there are numerous properties all around the world that we owe to the event. We want to have a look at a few of the most iconic ones here. Then, if you need help from an architect in London, you can speak to us.

Legacy

The modern Olympic Games as we know them date back to 1896. Since then we’ve had 29 editions in 21 different cities. We’ve also seen 3 editions cancelled due to WWI and WWII. In total, the events have created over 800 venues. Some of them are architectural wonders, winning awards and becoming vital landmarks.

Panathenaic Stadium

This is one of the most historic venues in Olympics history. It was the first venue of the modern games, hosting the event in Athens, Greece in 1896. It was also part of the event in 2004.

What makes the stadium stand out is it is the only venue of its type in the world to be made entirely of marble. The design celebrates an earlier stadium on the site that dates back to 144AD.

At its height the stadium could seat 80,000 people. It was the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies in 1896, as well as events like athletics and gymnastics. In 2004 it was the venue for archery as well as the finish line for the marathon.

National Aquatics Centre

The 2008 Beijing Games in China were one of the most lavish in history. A number of iconic venues were built for the event. The venue for swimming and diving, known by many as the Water Cube, is one of the most impressive. It is a great example of steel frame building and has a stunning facade.

The building has a fantastic legacy. During the Games, it was witness to 25 new world records. Since then it has opened to the public and welcomed millions of visitors.

Olympic Stadium

In 1976 the Olympics went to Canada for the first time. The Olympic Stadium was built in Montreal as the flagship venue. It was the host of the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as athletics and many other events.

The stadium is one of the best pieces of Organic Modern architecture in the world. It has an impressive shape and a unique tower that has the distinction of being the tallest incline structure in the world at 165m on a 45 degree angle.

Memorial Coliseum Stadium

An interesting thing here is the venue actually pre-dates the Olympics. It was built in Los Angeles, US in 1921-1923 as a tribute to veterans of WWI. When the city was the host of the 1932 Olympics, it was the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies and numerous events, including track and field, equestrian, and field hockey.

Incredibly, the stadium will become the first venue to host the Olympics three times in 2028. It was also central for the 1984 event.

Palazzetto dello Sport

Finally, we have an award winning venue from one of the most famous sporting cities in the world. Rome was the host of the Olympics in 1960. The Palazzetto dello Sport was the site of the closing ceremony and events like boxing and basketball. Most famously, Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) won a gold medal at the games before becoming one of the most famous boxers in history.

Do you need help from a top architect in London?

Coffey Architects knows how to design iconic buildings. We want them to have the same kind of long lasting legacy as some of these amazing Olympics venues.

You can get all kinds of benefits from working with us, including the chance to work with an award winning architect in London. So, whatever you are planning, speak to us about designs.