The ‘London Aquatics Centre’ for the London 2012 Summer Olympics by Zaha Hadid Architects is capable of accomodating 17,500. This facility will be the venue for the swimming, diving, synchronized swimming and water polo events. The eyecatching feature of this building is the double curvature parabolic structure visually evoking the form of an undulating wave. This aluminum clad steel roof spans 160 meters in length and is 90 meters at its widest point. It is said to be one of the most complex engineering and construction challenges of the Olympic Park. The steel roof frame weighs 3,000 tonnes and spans 160 metres length and 90 metres wide.
Unlike ordinary buildings the roof structure was the first to be complete, lowered into position on top of three concrete pillars. Work will now begin on applying the aluminum roof covering and timber cladding.
The pools’ collective volume is ten million liters of water, redirecting excess pool water to be used as toilet water within the restrooms.
Once the games conclude, the facilities capacity will be reduced to 2,500 individuals while swimming pools, moveable floors and practice diving areas will be added for use by the community.
Balfour Beatty is the main contractor working together with Arup engineering, Zaha Hadid and steel fabricator Rowecord.
‘London Aquatics Centre’ by Zaha Hadid architects located in London, England.
