The O2 Arena (Millennium Dome) conversion
Greenwich, London, England · 2005-2007 (conversion) · Not readily available (original dome cost £789 million, conversion cost significant but not fully disclosed)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchAdaptive reuse: A successful example of transforming a controversial temporary structure into a highly successful permanent venue. - Innovative construction: The arena's roof was erected using an innovative structural methodology, avoiding the need for tower cranes. - Acoustic design: Significant effort was put into the acoustic design to ensure a high-quality experience for concerts and events.
Key engineering challenges
Converting a temporary exhibition structure (Millennium Dome) into a permanent, world-class entertainment arena. - Constructing the arena within the existing dome, requiring careful integration and structural solutions. - Designing and erecting the arena's roof system without the use of traditional tower cranes. - Achieving optimal acoustics for a multi-purpose entertainment venue within the existing fabric.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- AEG
- Lead contractor
- Sir Robert McAlpine
- Lead designers
- Populous (arena design), Buro Happold (engineering)
- Project type
- upgrade/refurbishment (conversion from exhibition space to arena)
- Scale
- Arena capacity: 20,000, Original dome height: 50 m, 12 masts, 70 km of cable
- Disciplines
- Structural Engineering; Civil Engineering; Architecture; Acoustic Engineering; Fire Engineering; Ground Engineering
- Standards & frameworks
- UK Building Regulations (implied)
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennium_Dome; https://populous.com/showcases/the-o2-london; https://www.burohappold.com/projects/o2-arena-and-millennium-dome/; https://www.srm.com/projects/o2-arena/