LEADING figures from the world of architecture have been touring the 2012 Olympics site. They were taken round the massive two-square mile park now taking shape to see how designs previously only seen on drawing boards are taking shape

LEADING figures from the world of architecture have been touring the 2012 Olympics site this week.

They were taken round the massive two-square mile park now taking shape to see how designs previously only seen on drawing boards are taking shape on the ground.

Among the leading architects was Lord Richard Rogers, who said after the tour: "The designs will enhance the landscape. The new Olympic Park will help regenerate East London."

The bus tour stopped at venues including the Aquatics centre with its unique wave-shaped roof now in place as well as the main stadium which gave the designers a chance to discuss the design concepts of the buildings that are now coming out of the ground.

There were representatives from the major architectural and engineering institutes, including the Royal Institute of British Architecture. Their representative, architect Paul Davis, was taken back by the ,massive structure of the main stadium itself.

"I'm impressed by the Olympic Stadium," he admitted. "I'm impressed because it's actually so simple. For me, that is what some of the best architecture is about."

The visit gave the architects a real sense of progress that has been made over the 12 months, with the 2012 project already well ahead of schedule.