Innovative design and construction solutions reflect collaborative success

The O2 Arena, situated inside the original Millennium Dome structure, recently received a Structural Steel Design Award (SSDA) for its high standard of design, at a ceremony held at the V&A Museum, London. “This is a triumph of planning, design and engineering, and a fine example of integrated team working”, the judges commented.

Buro Happold provided structural engineering for the arena, a 22,000 capacity state-of-the-art multi-purpose venue designed to be technically and acoustically the most advanced concert arena in Europe. The challenge of constructing a building within a building was successfully overcome by innovative design solutions and collaboration between all members of the project team which included HOK sport architecture, Watson Steel Structures Ltd and Sir Robert McAlpine. The final solution resulted in the successful completion of the complete roof system at ground level, which was then lifted into place in one piece. Not only was this the safest strategy, but also the most cost-effective. Built on time and within strict deadlines set by governmental agreement, the O2 Arena meets the client brief in every way.

Ken Jones, Buro Happold structures group director and project director, said: “The positive attitudes and close collaboration between the whole team was very special here, and I’m really pleased that it has been recognised in this way. The safe lifting of the roof in one piece was one of the greatest challenges of my career so I’m particularly proud of the result.”

The project challenge of constructing a building within a building was recognised by the judges, who said: “This is a complex and substantial building in its own right, but made more so by its location within the Millennium Dome, presenting huge challenges. The chosen solution involved raising the 4,000 tonne steel structure, with its cladding, in one lift of more than 40m high to within 2m of the Dome’s roof.”

Project team:

Client: Anschutz Entertainment Group
Architect: HOK sport architecture
Services provided by Buro Happold: Structural engineering
Main Contractor: Sir Robert McAlpine
Steelwork Contractor: Watson Steel Structures Ltd

Ends

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Hannah Green
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Buro Happold is a multi-disciplinary international practice of consulting engineers established in 1976. We now employ over 1,700 staff in 21 offices worldwide and our aim is to produce high quality engineering design in concept, in detail and in execution, on time, to programme and delivering excellent value for money. Our distinctive culture and ethos is still based on the same principles of care, value and elegance that were established when the practice was founded.

We offer structural, building services, civil, infrastructure and façade engineering, as well as a broad range of specialist consultancy services including sustainability, ground and environmental engineering, fire and security design, health and safety management, inclusive and urban design, project management, and specialist CAD and computer simulation provision.