2012 London Olympics Legacy | South Park | James Corner Field Operations

A design competition was held in late 2011 to create designs for the South Plaza to provide the stage for an exciting range of cultural, sporting and community events and activities, all taking place beneath the imposing form of the extraordinary ArcelorMittal Orbit after the 2012 Games. New York-based James Corner Field Operations were chosen as the south plaza winners for their design concept, which features a tree-lined promenade connecting flexible spaces for events, cultural programmes, food stalls and other attractions. The area will have a London’s South Bank feel and will welcome the majority of visitors to the Park. The practice is renowned for its contemporary design across a variety of projects including the award winning and widely acclaimed High Line in New York City, which is recognised as one of the best new public spaces in recent years.

” A Landscape framework for a socially dynamic & eventful pleasure ground…..
Taken together, the Arc Promenade, the Planting Ribbon, the Event Rooms and the Lawns and Gardens create a powerful landscape framework for both everyday use and enjoyment as well as supporting a wide range of event programming, from food festivals and markets to rides and small circuses, to concerts and performances, to arts, culture and education. The design is clearly legible, iconic, playful and varied, while at the same time capable of supporting a diverse range of uses. This theatrical event site, set within a larger network of ecological green systems, waterways and world-class attractions, creates a destination legacy park for London – scenic and social on a daily basis, and eventful and active when programmed.” – James Corner Field Operations | Competition Entry Boards

Design Team
James Corner Field Operations (Design Lead)
Planting and horticulture by Piet Oudolf (Netherlands)
ARUP (London)
Make Architects (London)
Identity and graphics by tomato (London)
Lighting designers and consultants L’Observatoire International (New York)
Events and live activity planning by Groundbreaking
Play consultants Playlink (London)
Quantity Surveyors Deloitte (London).