Targeting competition with tension structures

The London 2012 Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) finished one of its last arenas in November, a temporary shooting and archery facility in Woolwich, England, located at the Royal Artillery Barracks. An estimated 104,000 spectators will watch rifle, pistol, shotgun and archery competitions featuring both Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Visitors will be protected from the elements by modern white PVC tensioned-membrane structures punctuated by vibrantly colorful openings for natural ventilation and light.

John Sisk & Sons, a Hertfordshire-based construction firm, used reclaimed gas pipelines driven into the ground as a foundation, connected the pipes together with a steel frame and stretched an estimated 194,000 square feet of phthalate-free PVC membrane across the façade. Strategically placed openings for air, light and ventilation dot the structures. The spectator buildings can be broken down and re-used without damaging the site, which will be returned to use by the Ministry of Defense after the games are over.