MAGMA ARCHITECTURE'S OLYMPIC SHOOTING VENUE HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR THE MIES VAN DER ROHE AWARD 2013

In summer 2012 London hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Three temporary and mobile arenas accommodated the 10, 25 and 50 m shooting competitions. Shooting is a sport in which the results and progress of the competition are hardly visible to the eye of the spectator. The design of the shooting venue was driven by the desire to evoke an experience of flow and precision inherent in the shooting sport through the dynamically curving space.All three ranges are configured in a crisp, white double curved membrane façade studded with vibrantly colored openings. As well as animating the up to 107 m long façades these dots operate as tensioning rings. The 18.000 m² of phthalate-free pvc membrane functions best in this stretched double-curvature format as it prevents the façade from flapping in the wind. The openings also act as ventilation intake and doorways at ground level. The fresh and light appearance of the buildings enhances the festive and celebrative character of the Olympic event.