Bike sheds have come a very long way.

It seems some sheets of corrugated metal roofing attached to a rickety metal frame with some wheel holders welded on is no longer trendy enough. Not since cycling – and the increase of bike sharing – has begun to take over a number of European cities.

Above is one the five finalists for the Architecture Foundation competition to design a $12,000 prototype bike shed for the Bankside area of Southwark in south London. Designed by Atmos Studios, it’s a striking piece that looks like it was teleported straight from some magical forest.

The brief was to design a “modular, portable and secure cycle parking solution”.

As one judge said: ‘My preconceptions of what a bike shed might look like were thoroughly challenged during the short-listing.’

Jump now to see some other finalists. Gotta favorite?

[Architects Journal]

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Next year will see London host the world’s greatest sporting event, the 2012 Olympics, and the city recently unveiled its beautifully designed velodrome for all of the cycling events.

The velodrome’s striking wavy roof replicates the geometry of the track inside, and has been constructed using “a very lightweight double curving cable net structure”. The wooden cladding adds a natural look to the contemporary design.

Inside, the 6,000 seats are divided into upper and lower tioers that allow for a large, 360 degree concourse level with full height double glazing that will not only flood the space with light but also gives spectators stunning views all around of the rest of the Olympic village and the London skyline.

ODA Chairman John Armitt commented: “In delivering the Velodrome on time and to budget we have completed our first Olympic Park venue and our biggest milestone to-date. The striking architecture of the Velodrome and the medal prospects of our world-leading cyclists mean the venue will become one of the defining images from the Games, and a landmark new building for future generations to enjoy”.

Jump for another photo.

The velodrome also comes with an impressive list of sustainable features. These include being deliberately lightweight – like the bikes that will use it – while the ventilated 360 degree windows will provide most of the light needed without the need for electricity.

Water consumption will also be greatly reduced thanks to the use of water saving fittings and a rainwater collection system.

It’s a shame the roof doesn’t also support a solar power array but the lightweight construction of it could have worked against that.

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Electric bikes have moved right along in terms of functionality and some even look good. Few, however, are as out there as this concept electric bike design from Yuji Fujimura.

The EBIQ, or Electric Bike Concept ver2, is quite striking to look at and that modern design is reinforced with the complete whitewash makeover. But there’s even more trickery under those clean lines after the jump.

That solid midsection not only houses a lithium ion battery but can store your gadgets, like a laptop or iPod, and charge them as you pedal. The handle bars and pedals fold into the frame for slinky storage and, if you really have a death wish, there’s a display up front so that you can surf the Net – via your stored laptop – as you trundle along.

Obviously, that’s just before you die horribly in a head-on with a bus while watching Lady Ga-Ga on YouTube.

It’s certainly pretty but, I’m pretty sure the designer is not much of a cyclist. One word: wind. The reason most bikes have no solid midsection is to stop cross-winds from knocking you on your butt  every 30 seconds. Interesting design though. More pics below.

Coroflot

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