London City Racecourse

The establishment in the East End of London of England's first new racecourse since 1927 provided the opportunity for a comprehensive rethink of the layout and design of contemporary racecourse facilities.

Many racecourses have grown up over the course of time, usually with buildings added and distributed in a haphazard fashion. Typically, an ad hoc placement of stables, saddling boxes and the winners' enclosure at a distance from the main grandstand has led to a frustrating experience for both participants and race-goers. This new racecourse, by contrast, sets out to fulfil the needs and expectations of the racing fraternity.

The form of the grandstand is generated by the logical concentration of spectators around the home stretch and the finishing line. It will be possible to watch every aspect of the racing ritual from within the building - either from one of the stepped terraces or from the comfort of a table in one of the restaurants on the upper levels.

The stables are positioned directly opposite the grandstand to allow spectators to see the horses' route to the parade ring, which is sunk into the ground in front of the terraces, forming a natural amphitheatre.

The grandstand accommodates half of the course's 20,000 capacity. The organic, curving form of its metallic roof swells and tapers along its length. This cantilevered structure shelters the spectators and the parade ring. The curve of the roof also reflects sound into the interior, allowing spectators in the restaurants and bars to share the excitement of the racing experience. The other buildings on the site - stables, a crche and a fitness club - share the roof's curved form.

Visitors will also be able to watch races from a viewing area within the roof, reached by lifts in the building's structural cores. This space will be open to all members of the public, inverting the hierarchy of spectator accommodation found at most racecourses.

Client: Wiggins Group Plc
Consultants: Adams Kara Taylor, Davis Langdon & Everest, Cyril Sweett, The Landscape Partnership, WSP International, Acoustic Air Limited, Arup Fire, Buchanan Consulting Engineers, Ecological Services Limited, Tom Clarke, Weatherall Green & Smith, WSP Environmental