Project: Berlin’s Olympic Velodrome and Swimming Pool
Location: Landsberger Allee, Berlin, Germany
Architects: Dominique Perrault Architecte, APP & Rolf Reichert
Area: 53,780 m2 | 578,880 Sq. Ft.
Project Year: 1993 – 1999
Photographs: Georges Fessy
The Olympic Velodrome and Swimming Pool in Berlin, designed by Dominique Perrault, highlights the transformative power of architecture in shaping urban identity. Conceived amidst Germany’s reunification, the project responded to Berlin’s aspiration to host the 2000 Olympic Games and reestablish itself as a unified capital. Combining political ambition and urban redevelopment, it brought together the disparate elements of East and West Berlin. With a budget of €180 million, a 10-hectare site, and a built area of 53,780 m², Perrault’s design prioritized subtlety
Design Philosophy: Architecture Beneath the Surface
Dominique Perrault’s innovative design sought to make the massive velodrome and swimming pool “vanish” within the urban fabric. The concept was simple yet profound: prioritize the ecological and social fabric over the visibility of built forms. The velodrome’s round structure and the pool’s rectangular geometry were carefully embedded within the landscape, creating an unobtrusive architectural presence.
At the heart of the project lies the orchard, a lush expanse of over 400 apple trees. Perrault envisioned this orchard as a functional and symbolic element, evoking a sense of history and permanence. Mature apple trees, sourced from Normandy, were transplanted to establish a timeless and organic setting. The shimmering metal surfaces of the velodrome and pool, barely protruding from the ground, were designed to reflect light like tranquil water bodies, enhancing their integration with the surrounding greenery.
The blending of architecture and nature also responded to Berlin’s unique urban character, where suburban landscapes coexist with a dense metropolitan core. By creating a green public space rather than a typical park, Perrault’s design redefined the role of large-scale urban projects in connecting disparate neighborhoods and fostering community engagement.
Architectural and Technical Achievements
The technical details of the Olympic Velodrome and Swimming Pool exemplify meticulous planning and multidisciplinary collaboration. Key aspects of their design and construction include:
Materiality and Form: The structures’ wire gauze façades create a visual effect that mimics water surfaces, making the buildings appear more like natural features than human-made volumes. This minimalist expression aligns with the overarching theme of blending architecture into the landscape.
Multifunctional Design: The velodrome, spanning 29,800 m², accommodates various sports and events, including cycling, athletics, tennis, equestrian activities, and concerts, with a capacity for 11,420 spectators. The swimming pool complex, covering 23,980 m², features two Olympic-standard pools, diving platforms, training pools, and facilities for children and people with disabilities, with seating for 4,200 spectators.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: The project brought together leading experts, including Ove Arup & Partners for structural engineering, Jean-Paul Lamoureux for acoustics and lighting, and landscaping by Landschaft Planen & Bauen. This synergy ensured the seamless execution of a highly complex and ambitious design.
Sustainability and Landscape Integration: The decision to transplant mature apple trees underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability and ecological preservation. This thoughtful approach extended to the choice of materials and construction methods, ensuring the project’s harmony with its environment.
The Olympic Velodrome and Swimming Pool Legacy
The Olympic Velodrome and Swimming Pool exemplify how architecture can transcend its utilitarian purpose to create spaces that inspire and unite. Perrault’s decision to prioritize landscape and ecological integration over architectural prominence reflects a progressive approach that resonates with contemporary concerns about sustainability and urban connectivity.
From an architectural perspective, the project’s success lies in its ability to balance form, function, and symbolism. The understated design avoids imposing volumes, fostering a sense of openness and continuity.
The project’s urban impact has been profound, reconnecting fragmented neighborhoods and setting a benchmark for large-scale developments that prioritize public spaces. Its recognition with the Deutscher Architekturpreis (2nd Prize) in 1999 highlights its architectural innovation and cultural significance.
