Olympicopolis Cultural Quarter

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: Holbrook's architectural practice, alongside six collaborators (Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios / Coffey / DRDH / David Kohn Architects with Expedition / Gardiner & Theobald / Atelier Ten), developed an international competition proposal to design a new cultural quarter at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, sited between the V&A, Sadler's Wells and University of the Arts, London (UAL). The team's entry was one of six shortlisted and invited to submit full concept designs. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: 5th Studio's contribution to the project developed an overall strategy for establishing the Cultural Quarter within the Olympic Park, and focussed on the design of the new building for UAL - the London College of Fashion. This manifested as a central, continuous walk linking different levels, becoming a 'context for events and cross-institutional collaborations'. Newly imagined 'front doors' to each institution express specific relationships to the new terraces and tower structures. This project draws on Holbrook's ongoing design research in developing approaches to strategic thinking, exploring the dynamic between architecture and the scale of infrastructure and landscape. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: Led by the London Legacy Development Corporation in partnership with V&A, Sadler's Wells, and UAL, the 'Olympicopolis' project is a highly significant establishment of a key cultural and educational district in London. The competition was adjudicated by a panel of stakeholders chaired by Paul Finch from World Architecture Festival. Shortlisted finalists were selected from 43 submissions after worldwide, registered interest by 125 architects. Details of 5th studio's notable competition shortlisting has been featured in Architects' Journal, Building Design and ArchDaily.