'London Gate' by DONIS was selected as the winning proposal for a temporary landmark on the eastern edge of the City of London, to stand for the duration of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games, to open in January 2012.
The competition for the design of the project was open to (but not limited to) architects, designers, artists, product designers, and/or any other disciplines. The Architecture Foundation encouraged design teams to suggest inspiring and innovative yet realistic designs for this temporary and flexible structure.
The competition was open to entries from 19 April until 12noon on 28 May 2010.
The landmark will contribute to the celebration of the Games, reinforce awareness of the City of London, strengthen the City's links with the City Fringe and with the regeneration of East London. Sited on the location of the historic Ald-Gate, the landmark will be a signal that the City welcomes its neighbours rather than tries to keep them out. Historically, Aldgate was known as ‘Ale-Gate', so called because it was the only gateway open to all.
2010 will mark the 250th anniversary of the destruction of the City gates; as such the new Aldgate landmark will celebrate openness, diversity and the City's role as an international trading centre. It will also help to define the identity of the rapidly changing Aldgate area and assist in its regeneration.
The competition was organised by The Architecture Foundation, the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects, supported by other livery companies with an interest in construction and development and the City of London. Gifford, Jackson Coles LLP and DP9 acted as technical advisors on the competition.
The competition was sponsored by the City Property Advisory Team of the City Corporation.
Download the brief and appendix documents here.
Competition Sponsored by the City Property Advisory Team of the City Corporation