The stadium for the 2012 Olympics in London has been completed, with new images released to mark the occasion.

London Olympic Stadium designed by Populous © Morley von Sternberg

The construction contract of the stadium was completed on 29 March 2011.

Rod Sheard, senior principal at Populous, the stadium architect, said: “The construction of the world’s most environmentally friendly Olympic Stadium has taken just over 1,000 days, in the world of major construction it could be considered a sprint, its completion marks the beginning of the end of the construction phase of London’s Olympic Games.”

“We can now all look forward to just under 500 days of the final preparation to when the world will see this innovative design perform for the first time.”

London Olympic Stadium designed by Populous © Morley von Sternberg

The Hockey Centre

Meanwhile, Populous has announced it is designing the world’s first blue Olympic hockey venue.

Jeff Keas, principal of Populous, said: “The Hockey Centre represents a very important temporary venue for the London 2012 Games.

“We see this venue as one of the four cornerstones of the Olympic Park and have designed a venue that takes advantage of this opportunity.

“The design is unique in that it allows the atmosphere and action on the blue pitch to be enhanced by allowing views in from the Park as well as views out to the Park and the backdrop of this city.”

It will be the first Olympic and FIH World Level event to be played on a different colour to the traditional green. Historically, hockey was always played on natural grass and when the move was made to synthetic turf pitches in the 1970s green was adopted to replicate the traditional playing environment.

The move to blue pitches is expected to provide high levels of contrast with the white ball and white lines for players, officials, spectators, photographers and broadcasters.

The pitch run off areas were designed to pink to provide a ‘striking and dynamic look’ to the Hockey Centre.

The Hockey Centre is the only full outdoor venue on the Olympic Park so the two pitches are expected to become a prominent landmark to complement the architecture of the permanent surrounding venues.

David Wheeldon

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