A series of three pavilions were installed for ten days at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon to showcase Nike innovation during the U.S. Olympic Trials Track & Field Competition.
The Nike Olympic Trials creative vision was rooted in collaboration. Skylab Architecture and digital media partner Hush Studios worked closely in parallel. Early concepts focused on testing how to visualize running. Three-dimensional modeling and motion graphics allowed for a synthesis of the built structure, media, and product displays that was realized through an iterative process. This exploration of speed through digital modeling and integration of media resulted in an immersive environment. Skylab’s collaboration with FTL Engineering Studio defined the structural system, leading to the definition of the order of pavilions and tracks. Graphic design firm Big Giant developed the design approach for integrated graphics and product display.
The geometry of the structural and the patterns of fabrication for the fabric skin were deliberate, creating pavilions engineered for maximum material efficiency. The design responded to the use of cutting-edge technology — such as the tensile integrity of the Flywire pattern, the dynamic qualities of the Lunarion foam and other highperformance fabrics that are integral to some of Nike’s product innovations — with the material choices for the pavilions. Taking cues from engineered sails used in boat racing where efficiency of both material and form drive performance, the pavilions are skinned in a fabric with high tensile strength to express hyper-lightness and performance. The membrane enclosures are simultaneously transparent and reflective: transparent to reveal the lightweight steel structure, and reflective to allow the pavilions themselves to transform under changing lighting conditions and viewing angles.
The three interactive pavilions are each 1500 square feet, expressing the spirit of Nike products built on an economy of means. The Speed Tunnel exhibit tracked in realtime athletes in motion displayed on a continuous LED-screened wall. Another pavilion featured two new Nike footwear technologies, Knit and Lunarlon. The third pavilion connected runners through a game of human powered treadmills recording
