The Olympic torch is on its way. Shakespeare got the nod this weekend as it passed his birthplace on its round-Britain tour. At the Tower of London 4,700 bronze, silver and gold Olympic Medals are under lock and key, like the Crown Jewels. Across the river at Tower Bridge five interlocking Olympic rings are suspended from the parapet. The countdown is getting serious.
At the Olympic site at Stratford in East London, the Orbit Tower, stadium and London Aquatics Center are in the final phase. In Beijing the “Birdsnest” Stadium, was the signature building. In London 2012 it is the Aquatics Center. Designed by Zaha Hadid architects, it is an incredibly graceful a free-form structure inspired by “the fluid geometry of water in motion.” It has an undulating roof which dips to the ground in a sweeping wave and is perfectly in tune with the
River Lee and surrounding area. Jacques Rogge, international Olympic committee chair said, “I have seen so many venues in my life but I had a visual shock when I came into the Aquatics Center. Everything stands out: the harmony, the quality, the innovation. It’s a masterpiece.”
the harmony, the quality, the innovation. It’s a masterpiece.
After the 2012 Olympics the LAC will serve the local area catering to all levels of swimming including school children and those with disabilities. Meanwhile with three weeks to go, is this where Michael Phelps will, once again, make a splash?
Late news: Mrs. Zaha Hadid, 61, who was raised in Iraq, was on the Queen’s Birthday Honors list and created a Dame. It is her second honor, she already receive a CBE. (Commander of the British Empire)