PRIMARY SUBSTATION 2012 LONDON OLYMPICS

Primary Substation
London

Completed: 2009
EDF Energy Contracting LTD (now renamed UK Power Networks LTD) appointed NORD LLP (now renamed Robin Lee Architecture LLP) in June 2007

Architecture starts when you carefully put two bricks together. There it begins.
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, 28th June 1959

Inspired by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott's iconic 20th century cathedrals of power at Bankside and Battersea, the Primary Substation shares an aspiration towards a dignified and civic architectural expression. In these buildings perhaps the most elemental construction component - the imperial brick - is used over and over on a vast scale to make architecture that speaks of both power and utility. Through relentless repetition the structures acquire a place in the civic make-up of the city, not through expressive language but through sheer physical presence and hand-built endeavor.

Brick is utilised exclusively in the construction of the Primary Substation for the 2012 London Olympics. The arrangement and composition of the material creates a building of weight and presence establishing a strong sense of permanence in clear counterpoint to the dynamic setting of the Olympic Park.

Carefully modulated proportions establish a strong sculptural presence while making a clear, legible form and memorable building image. The substation functions as a powerfully silent landmark within the public setting of the Olympic Park, framing views to St Paul's Cathedral and the Swiss Re tower.

© Robin Lee Architecture 2012

NORD LLP was contracted to EDF Energy Contracting Ltd in June 2007
Primary Substation completes 2009

NORD LLP was established in 2002
NORD LLP renamed to Robin Lee Architecture in 2011