Stunning stadiums of the world
The sporting arena is the modern equivalent of a monument, the Holy Grail of an architect’s fantasy. The brief is simple: Make a spellbinding container for the sportsperson’s soaring ambition. These beauties, for instance
England, London Aquatic Centre
From sculptural curves to a skyline framed by the sweeping roof, this centre—described by Jacques Rogge, former International Olympic Committee president, as a “masterpiece”—was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid in 2004. This indoor facility is equipped with two 50-metre swimming pools and a 25-metre diving pool with sliding booms and movable floors. Originally planned as the showpiece of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the hulking grand stands on the sides have been stripped off to present the new, lithe public swimming pool for Londoners