Tensile geometry on the Thames — a structural engineering marvel hiding as an arena
Large entertainment district in London, England.
Featured in Richard Rogers's definitive monograph, Richard Rogers: Complete Works.
Visitor Guide
You can climb OVER the dome on the "Up at the O2" experience — one of London's most exhilarating activities. Book well in advance, weather dependent.
Emirates Air Line cable car gives an extraordinary aerial view of the tensile structure. From Greenwich Park you can see it in the skyline context.
Event venue — check schedule for concerts/shows. "Up at the O2" climb must be booked in advance. The exterior plaza area is free.
Richard Rogers' 12 steel masts represent the months of the year. The PTFE fabric roof is held in tension by over 70 km of steel cable. It was the largest enclosed space in the world when completed.
1-2 hours
Design & Structure
Richard Rogers Partnership used cable-net analysis software to determine the optimal tensile geometry. The form is a pure expression of structural forces — the shape the fabric takes under tension between the mast points and perimeter cables.
PTFE-coated glass fiber fabric roof, steel masts and cables, concrete ring beam. The fabric transmits daylight, creating a luminous interior. It's essentially a very large tent.
Pure tensile structure — the roof has no compression members. All loads are carried in tension through the cable net to the 12 masts. The engineering, by Buro Happold, was pioneering for this scale.
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Madrid–Barajas Airport
Lloyd's building
88 Wood Street
Millennium Dome
Nittele Tower
Nearby in Royal Borough of Greenwich
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed The O2?+
The O2 was designed by Richard Rogers. It is located in Royal Borough of Greenwich, United Kingdom.
Where is The O2 located?+
The O2 is located in Royal Borough of Greenwich, United Kingdom. Its coordinates are 51.5029°, 0.0033°.
Can I visit The O2?+
The O2 is a real building in Royal Borough of Greenwich that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.