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It would be interesting to know the cost comparison per m2 covered area between this heavy, over designed structure, and the elegant cable net structure for the Velodrome by Hopkins. Shouldn't we be trying to use our skills to do more with less, rather than it's opposite?

This is magnificent folly on a epic scale and I salute the unique skill of a very talented designer, and the extraordinary dedication and valour of the builders.

But somehow Tennyson's words ( from "The charge of the light brigade") seem strangely appropriate:-

"tho' the soldier knew / Some one had blunder'd".

Or

"C'est magnifique, mais ce n'est pas la guerre."

Already we are seeing Architects being written out of school procurement programmes because governments, and the public alike see Architects as wasteful expensive luxury that they cannot afford.

My fear is that the rest of us struggling meet our mortgage payments will be still paying the price for this folly long after ZH has retired in luxury and covered in glory.