Thursday, August 28, 2008

Wraparound Video Screen Proposed For London Stadium

The Guardian recently reported that the London Olympic stadium could be wrapped in a kilometre-long video screen.

This move seems to be an attempt to rival the defining visual image presented by Beijing’s Olympic Precinct. In light of the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium and Watercube, London is now trying to define “the look” of the London Olympics.

The Guardian reports that:
The stadium's architect, Rod Sheard, is advocating a kilometre-long screen that would establish the London games as the first digital Olympics. Everything from images of main events to Olympic-inspired art could be projected on to the screen and Olympic officials confirmed the idea was to be developed in the coming year.

Sheard has considerable expertise, having designed the Sydney Olympic stadium and Wembley stadium. He also said:
"The London Olympic stadium will be the beginning of digital technology. We see the stadium as the ultimate communication device."

It seems that the screen would be wrapped around the scaffolding supporting the seating. Originally this ‘wrap’ was to supposed to have static images of the Olympics, but they are now considering the kilometre long digital video screen.

I’m less than convinced about this idea. It has potential, but this move smacks of desperation and the need to try to match Beijing. There have already been several statements from various involved parties stating that there will be no increase in budget and there is no doubt that a kilometre-long screen would considerably blow out the budget.

I think London would be better off forgetting Beijing and trying to do their own thing, in their own way, within the budget available to them.

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