Silverstone Circuit

Silverstone, United Kingdom
Opened in 2011
Architecture, Urban Design
Having failed to gain the rights to the F1 Grand Prix in 2008, Silverstone, the traditional home of British motor racing, wanted to upgrade their track and facilities to bring the historic circuit back to its rightful position at the heart of UK motor sport and make it a destination again, for drivers and spectators.

The masterplan had several phases, including a 360-metre long pit and paddock building and an upgraded circuit with a new section that would enable Silverstone both to get a circuit licence to host MotoGP and bring the excitement of overtaking back to the track.

Our specialist team used pioneering software, developed in-house, that allowed the simulation of multiple circuit solutions and testing of variable run-offs and profiles. As a result, a new section was introduced, the approach to which challenges drivers physically and mentally through an amazing high speed, high ‘g’ right and left hand combination, and offers three exciting new overtaking opportunities. Responding to the track’s speed and tension is the dramatic, continually changing roofline of the pit & paddock building. The hospitality areas offer unbeatable views of the circuit while, on non-race days, the space offers commercial and leisure opportunities that make the venue a year-round one.

 

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'Flight’ and ‘velocity’ were key themes incorporated into the design brief, and the streamlined form of the new building conjures up the impression of speed, dynamic motion and the grace of a bird’s wing in full flight.

Richard Phillips

Former Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited

With the addition of 678m of asphalt, the new Silverstone circuit can now boast of being one of the longest and quickest on the MotoGP and Grand Prix calendar.

Together with the new pit & paddock building, it has transformed the venue, using a cohesive visual language, to create a landmark for British and global motorsport. Silverstone is a destination once more.

Disciplines Provided

  • Architecture

    Architecture

    The dynamic form of the pit lane and paddock building at Silverstone Circuit has been designed to reflect the speed and excitement in racing itself. It has become an-instantly recognisable landmark that has helped to re-affirm Silverstone as one of the world’s premier racing circuits, with world-class facilities for spectators, drivers and racing teams.

    The 360-metre-long building spans the full length of the pit lane, with a continually-changing angular roofline that focuses towards final corner of the race track. The structure has been designed with dual functionality. Above the garages, the hospitality areas provide quiet, climate-controlled surroundings with un-matched views of the split-second timing strategies at play below. Large numbers of teams, media and hospitality guests can be catered for to the highest of standards during blue riband events. At other times, the sustainable approach to the design allows exhibition, conferencing and educational spaces to run simultaneously above a fully operational racing circuit.

    Disciplines Provided

  • Masterplanning

    Masterplanning

    Following the project which saw the development of the new Silverstone Circuit pit lane complex, Populous was commissioned to design the wider master plan for the site, with a brief to re-define the focal point of the circuit to allow fans a wider view of the racing.

    The scheme extends the user experience into previously unused areas of land within the development site, creating multiple new spectator viewing positions of the world-famous Maggots-Becketts corner sequence.

    The scope of works also included the creation of a new 678m section of the race track itself, which challenges drivers’ technical skills with a high-speed right and left corner combination that generates incredibly high g-forces. This new section of track was key in the circuit successfully gaining a license to host Moto GP events.

    Disciplines Provided

1 items.
  • Mike Trice Senior Principal, Architect London

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