Updated Video Of Tokyo Aquatics Center Construction

It’s now fewer than 345 days until the Opening Ceremony of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, with athletes, spectators and sports enthusiasts around the world gearing up for the biggest competitive sporting event on the globe.

We reported last month that the Tokyo Aquatics Centre to be used for pool swimming, artisitc swimming and diving was 75% complete.

Prior to that, in 2018, we published the time-lapsed construction video provided by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, giving us a glimpse into the mega-structure

In the latest timelapse video below, we can get an even clearer idea of the structure’s shape and features, especially its showpiece of a roof.

With a roof measuring 160 meters long, 130 meters wide and 10 meters thick, while weighing 7,000 tons, the heavy structure was built on the ground using the ‘lift-up method’. At the time this method was first revealed, Taishu Tone, a PR representative for the building said, “By using this method, the construction term can be shortened because we can develop the building and the roof at the same time.”

Once completed, the roof was raised 37 meters in 3 steps until reaching its final position, now providing shelter for construction workers to take a break from the heat or rain.

Watch this incredible #timelapse video of the Tokyo Aquatics Centre construction! Last year, the roof was built on the ground and elevated about 20 meters in three stages using the lift-up method. Construction is scheduled to be completed next February #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/nTszoyUmBC

— Tokyo Gov (@Tokyo_gov) August 13, 2019