Archi-Quiz: How Well Do You Know Famous Olympic Buildings of Yesteryear?

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Olympic architecture has always pushed the boundaries of design and innovation, creating landmarks that become synonymous with the cities they inhabit. From awe-inspiring stadiums to temporary structures designed for quick assembly and disassembly, all these buildings truly aimed to capture the spirit and history of the Olympics.

And with the 2024 Summer Olympics fast approaching, we feel like it’s the perfect time to reflect on the iconic structures that have defined past Games.

Designed by renowned architects and featuring unique design elements, these structures witnessed some of the most memorable moments in sports history. While as an architect you may not be expected to remember who won which medal, brushing up on your knowledge on famous buildings is never a bad idea.

So, do you think you can name these notable Olympic buildings, the architects behind them and the Games they were part of? Don’t worry, we’ll give you a small hint for each.

Now ready, set, go!

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1.

Hint: Designed by a famous Swiss duo, this stadium’s steel structure resembles a certain natural habitat.

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2.

Hint: Famous for its bubble-like exterior, this building hosted swimming events in a city known for its significant Olympic legacy and cultural landmarks.

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3.

Hint: Don’t let this detail shot discourage you! This is the tallest inclined tower in the world, originally intended to support a retractable roof, now repurposed as office space with stunning city views.

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4.

Hint: Famous for its suspension roof design, this mid-20th-century architectural marvel hosted the swimming and diving events during the Summer Olympic Games in an Asian capital.

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5.

Hint: Designed to be a sustainable and flexible venue, this stadium was later adapted for multiple uses, including athletics and football.

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6.

Hint: Designed by a famous Japanese firm, this temporary facility was made using timber from various regions and served as a communal space during the games.

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7.

Hint: This ancient stadium originally built entirely of marble was used for the first modern Olympic Games in the late 19th century.

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8.

Hint: Resembling the flowing movements of the sport it hosts, this venue’s exterior features LED-lit bands that create a dynamic visual effect.

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9.

Hint: This building features a wave-like roof and was designed by a world-famous firm known for their fluid futuristic designs.

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10.

Hint: Known for its eco-friendly and cost-effective design, this building was a temporary venue dedicated to opening and closing ceremonies.

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11.

Hint: Featuring a wooden lattice design, this stadium replaced a controversial design by Zaha Hadid Architects.

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Share this with your fellow colleagues and students to see how your architectural knowledge compares! Then, when you’re ready, you can check out the answers here. (No cheating!)

Check Your Answers

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