zaha hadid's olympic pools for 2012 aquatic centre filled

construction of the aquatic centre for the 2012 games

earlier this month the olympic pools in zaha hadid‘s aquatic centre for the 2012 games were tested. the two 50 metre concrete pools along with the diving pool were filled with water for the first time. the concrete pools needed to be tested with more than 10 million liters (2.64 million gallons) of water before they are sealed and tiled, with approximately 180 000 tiles.

the 300 million pound complex consists of a sting ray shaped 3,000-tonne (3,360 ton) curved steel roof designed, to stretch and twist according to the weather. the venue will have a 17 500 seat centre playing host to swimming, diving and water polo finals during the games, but will be reduced to 2500 seats after the games for community and competitive use.

the building is expected to be complete by the end of the european summer in 2011. you can see up to date progress through a live webcam here.

the pools filled and tested

construction of the aquatic centre for the 2012 games

zaha hadid’s stingray roof for the aquatic centre at london 2012 olympic games

zaha hadid’s stingray roof for the aquatic centre at london 2012 olympic games image zero champ

rendering of the pools, which are sure to be a spectacular site for both athletes and visitors

rendering of the aquatic centre

rendering of the roof