GOLDEN ARCHITECTURE AT THE OLYMPICS

PRESENTED BY: GAEL TABET

In 1997, it was announced that the Olympic
games would finally return to Athens, its
birthplace. Following this decision, Athens
recognized that their current facilities were
insufficient for the scale of the Olympics.
Realizing that much work needed to be done
to upgrade their facilities in time, city officials
and the organizing committee officially
commission architect Santiago Calatrava to
the job on October 9, 2001.

Calatrava’s objective was to unify the existing, dispersed

structures, and give it a defined character. Though crews and
volunteers worked to the last minute, Calatrava succeeded in
creating a coherent space and enjoyable atmosphere in time to
satisfy the millions of spectators, the athletes, and their countries.
Upon completion, Calatrava declared, “It’s a small city- a city of
sports.” 3

THE MASTER PLAN

 SKETCHES OF HUMAN MOVEMENT OUT OF CALATRAVA’S SKETCHBOOK

CALATRAVA’S SKETCHES

MARSEILLE VELODROME SUBMISSION DESIGNED IN 1995

THE VELODROME- PRECEDENTS

 According to Santiago Calatrava, the designs included
in the complex also drew from Byzantine architecture
in Greek culture. He considered the arches and vaults
associated with this architecture suitable for spanning
the large spaces.
The roof of the Velodrome is one of these structures
designed by Calatrava in the Olympic Complex. Using
his own previous designs and sketches of the human
body and of nature as precedents, Calatrava created a
suspended roof structure over an existing stadium with
the purpose of protecting the athletes and spectators
from natural elements.
The roof is wood-clad on the interior (for accoustic
purposes) while the exterior is mainly metal with a
central strip of laminated, sun-reflective glass. These
components are then hung by 152 cables to a pair of
bowstring tied arches made of tubular steel. 7

THE VELODROME- ROOF DESIGN

 The Velodrome roof consists of 3800 tons of
steel in 26000 parts, and runs 153 meters in
length (approximately 505 feet). Each piece is
different, and practically none connect in an
orthagonal manner. 1
Since the existing stadium needed to be
renovated simultaneously with the construction
of the roof, much of the roof construction was
done on piers on a site directly adjacent to
the building and were then slid into place by
hydraulic jacks. The metal and wood cladding
were added once the structure was in place.
The link below shows the roof being set into
place: 2
Roof In Motion

THE VELODROME- UNDER CONSTRUCTION

 The structure of the Velodrome mainly consists of
four arched tubes running in the same direction:
two to resist torsion, and two suspending the
roof materials by cables. The torsion tubes on the
interior of the space connect to a series of arched
trusses, 23 meters apart, running perpendicular to
the arches from which they cantilever. The trusses
also connect to a rim along the exterior. All of
these elements collect the load and direct it to four
foundation points.
This type of structure allows for a long, column
free space, giving the audience a clear view of the
events.

THE VELODROME- STRUCTURE

 The arches are curved along the long axis of the
structure, and take the shape of an elongated
dome. This longer curvature reduces their outward
thrust, thus making the structure more sturdy.
These arches are also angled away from the central,
longitudinal axis to allow gravity to help the tubes
pull the cables into tension and transfer the load of
the roof through the arch and into the foundation.
The light, truss-like beams, curved to the shape
of the roof, are located on the interior to stiff the
structure. Along with providing the form work for
the curvature of the roof, the trusses work as cross
bracing to resist torsion.
“The roof is truly an ethereal structure with
acceptable oscillations and displacements of the
system.” 5

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS- ARCHES

THE VELODROME- IMAGES
 The four points upon which the roof rests afix it to pile
foundations. A major concern for the calculations of
the roof’s foundations was the seismicity in Athens.
This critical load case determined the final cross-
sections and the size of the foundation in general. 5

Another issue concerning the structure, was the

fact that this foundation did not provide any lateral
support. In this case, “The arch action depends on a
horizontal thrust provided by the “tying” elements,
the torsion arch and a series of cables.” Actually,
there is some bending involved that makes the
whole system behave more like a “tied beam,” or a 

horizontal beam used to prevent two other structural

members from spreading apart or separating. 5

In the end, the entire system rests gently on the

site, and achieves its intended purpose: to provide
an enjoyable environment for the spectators of the
2004 Olympics and of future sporting events.

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS- FOUNDATIONS

Traditional Ceremonies at the Olympic Stadium

CELEBRATING THE END

1. “Athens 2004.” Advertisement. 30 Apr. 2007 <http://www.tekla.com/campaign/files/

athens_uk_flyer_web.pdf>.

2. Dandilidis, Nikos. Sliding of Olympic Velodrome Roof. 2004. Athens. nikosdandilidis.photography. 2 May

2007 <http://www.daniilidis.gr/fullimage.php?LANG=en&categ=0&img=9>.

3. Gonchar, Joann, and Sam Lubell. “Olympic Stadium: Athens Greece.” Architectural Record. June (2006):

232.

4. Lyall, Sutherland. “Olympic Champion.” Metal Works (2004): 4-11.

5. Pollalis, Prof. Spiro N., comp. The Roof of the Olympic Stadium For The 2004 Athens Olympic Games:

From Concept to Implementation. Feb. 2006. Harvard Design School. 30 Apr. 2007 <http://www.

gsd.harvard.edu/people/faculty/pollalis/cases/OACA-v1.pdf>.

6. “Tie Beam.” Answers.Com. Apr.-May 2007 <http://www.answers.com/topic/tie-beam>.

7. Tzonis, Alexander. Santiago Calatrava: the Athens Olympics. New York: Rizzoli International Publications,

Inc., 2005.

WORKS CITED