A iconic London 2012 Olympics venue has gained an unexpected new claim to fame, emitting a series of peculiar farting sounds whenever fireworks are set off in the vicinity.
The Pringle's Peculiar Problem
The 6,000-seat Olympic Velodrome, a £95 million centrepiece of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, is the source of the amusement. Affectionately known as 'The Pringle' due to its distinctive double-curving shape, the building's design is now causing unintended audio effects. The sounds occur when fireworks are set off in east London, with the booms reflecting off the velodrome's unique timber ventilation system and emerging as noises strikingly similar to flatulence.
Social Media Erupts with Laughter
The phenomenon has not gone unnoticed, with videos of the sounds spreading rapidly on TikTok and sparking a wave of humorous comments. One social media user joked, 'God forbid the Velodrome has an upset tummy,' while another declared, 'Velodrome is an IBS girly.' A third quipped about the potential for a particularly noisy New Year's Eve celebration, commenting, 'Must kick up a stink at New Year’s.' The building's architect, responsible for the compact, cable-net roof structure designed to mirror the cycling track below, has found their creation at the centre of this comedic storm.
More Than Just a Gimmick: The Science of Sound
This is not the first instance of a building creating unexpected sounds. The velodrome joins a list of global architectural sound phenomena:
- St. Paul’s Cathedral Whispering Gallery: A whisper can travel clearly across the 110-foot dome.
- El Castillo Pyramid in Mexico: A hand clap at its base produces an echo resembling a quetzal bird's chirp.
- Beetham Tower in Manchester: This skyscraper emits a loud, unintended hum during windy conditions, for which the architect has apologised.
The Velodrome's specific issue stems from its innovative and sustainable design. The building is clad in timber with intentional gaps that facilitate natural ventilation, eliminating the need for air conditioning. Its famous Pringle-shaped roof also collects rainwater for use within the building's facilities. It is this very ventilation system that transforms the concussive blasts of nearby fireworks into its now-viral flatulent fanfare. London’s Olympic Velodrome has been approached for comment to officially explain the farting noise.
