Roof lowered onto 2012 Olympic swimming venue

LONDON

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.