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The wave shaped Aquatics Centre roof is seen in place at the 2012 Olympic site in London, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

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Roof lowered onto 2012 swimming venue

525-foot long sweeping roof frame put into place

Updated: Wednesday, 11 Nov 2009, 8:49 AM MST
Published : Wednesday, 11 Nov 2009, 8:48 AM MST

    LONDON (AP) - The architectural showpiece of the 2012 London Olympics is taking shape after the wave-shaped roof of the aquatics center was lowered into place.

    After a seven-month process, the 525-foot long sweeping roof frame was put into place Wednesday. The structure weighs more than 3,000 tons and rests on three concrete supports.

    Organizers described the project as "one of the most complex engineering and construction challenges" of the Olympic building phase. Work will begin soon on the aluminum roof cover.

    The wavy roof — designed by Iraqi-born architect Zaha Hadid — is considered the signature design feature of the Olympic Park in Stratford, east London.

    The $500 million aquatics venue is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2011. Organizers say it will be the "gateway" into the park complex for spectators arriving by public transportation

    The 17,500-seat venue will host swimming, diving and the water polo finals during the Olympics. It will be reduced after the games to a 2,500-seat facility.

    Copyright Associated Press, Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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