The 2012 Olympic Games in London saw over 10,000 athletes from 204 countries compete. The event was a huge success and saw a number of monumental moments, including the introduction of female boxing and Michael Phelps becoming the most decorated Olympian in history. The Paralympics Games followed and was equally successful, seeing the largest number of athletes ever (4,302) compete in 503 events.

The Olympic Stadium was constructed specifically to act as the main venue for the Games and will play a major role in the heritage program from the event when it becomes the home of British Athletics and West Ham Football Club. In order to satisfy these requirements the stadium is being extensively renovated, including the installation of retractable seating. A re-opening ceremony is scheduled for next year.

The Olympic Stadium was praised for its sustainable design and carbon footprint. To make it as green as possible, low carbon dioxide concrete was used and only 10,700 tons of steel was required, less than a quarter of what was needed to construct the China’s Olympic Stadium in Beijing for the previous Games. Recycled granite and surplus pipes from North Sea gas lines were also used. Many of the building materials were transported by train and barge instead of road to further bring down the carbon footprint.

The beautiful, sustainable design of the stadium met worldwide acclaim before, during and after the Olympics. At the recent World Architecture Awards in Singapore at the start of November the building even secured the 2015 Future-Led Development award. Judges admired the stadium for its respect of the heritage of the Games, its sustainability and efficiency.

The award is further evidence of the long lasting appeal of the stadium. It will continue to stand as a proud example of commercial architecture in London, putting it alongside countless other noteworthy properties. It just carries the added weight of commemorating one of the most successful Olympics of all time.