2012 Summer Olympics Shooting Venue

If there is one thing that is exciting about the Olympics other than the actual sporting events, it’s the architecture. Not only are the Olympics a medium for sports and diplomacy, but they are also a showcase for some of the most innovative and groundbreaking architects on the planet. Take for example the shooting venue for the upcoming Olympics in London.

Olympic shooting venue seen from a nearby road.

The venue was designed my Magma Architecture of London and Berlin, which is made up of three PVC tents that have been erected at London’s historic Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich. The protruding red, blue, and pink circles serve a dual purpose as they ventilate the interior of the structure while simultaneously providing tension for the steel structure beneath the white skin.

Olympic shooting venue with both red and blue circular vents visible.

The ventilation ducts are meant to resemble the suckers on the tentacles of an octopus. Magma’s goal in their design was to “envoke an experience of flow and precision inherent in the shooting sport through the dynamically curving space.”

Interior of one of the structures at the shooting venue for the 2012 London Olympics.

If this shooting venue is a sample of the kind of design we are going to see at the 2012 London Olympics then the world should really be in for a treat. It should be noted that all of the structures are temporary and are slated to be dismantled after the games and be erected again in Glasgow for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

New Product: Sona Chairs

At Workplace Resource, we are always excited to share new and innovative products. Today we are proud to showcase the Sona chair.

Designed by Jorge Pensi, Sona offers comfort throughout the day with its acclaimed ergonomic design. It is customizable with 3 control and 7 arm choices as well as a sleek pull handle option. Other options include 2 knit patterns which are available in a variety of color ways.

Sona is extremely workplace friendly, not only because of its superior comfort and ergonomic design, but because of its adjustable height and lumbar support which can accommodate just about anyone. Moreover, a variety of arm styles are offered which are available in either black or metallic silver finishes. Sona has a 300 lb. rating on all mechanism options, as well as a variety of arm choices.

Click here to check out our Sona selection

Olivier Desrochers: Méo Shelf

The Méo Shelf is a piece by Montreal-based designer Olivier Desrochers. This modular system uses solid oak planks which are connected together with brightly colored steel supports, each of which sit at an angle.

You would certainly be correct in pointing out that this shelving system bears a strong resemblance to scaffolding with its multi-level surfaces and vertical supports. This simple piece provides definite visual appeal, with its angular supports. You can even customize your piece with the ability to choose the color of the supports. The Méo Shelf would look good in the home or even in the office.

Legless Dodo Chair

At first glance the Dodo Legless chair doesn’t really exhibit many characteristics of, well, a chair. It does indeed lack legs, and doesn’t have armrests either. However, with a price tag of $2,039, it gives the phrase “floor level seating” a new meaning. Based along the lines of Japanese Zaisu chairs, this odd piece of furniture also integrates elements of contemporary western office furniture into its design; it features a steel base that swivels. Moreover, the backrest can even double as a working surface for a laptop if you happen to be sitting in a regular chair. The Dodo Legless chair is available in both polyester and wool/nylon variations, allowing for 20 different color options.