A new series of aerial photographs
9 May 2016
Construction progress is clearly visible in this new series of aerial pictures, taken from a height of approximately 1,000 m on Friday 29 April by ultralight aircraft.
The photographer passed over the site at around 6:30 p.m. (which explains the small number of vehicles in the main ITER parking lot). The most striking feature of the 42-hectare worksite is undeniably the Assembly Hall, whose mirror-clad surfaces reflect the changing hues of the surrounding landscape — just like the architects intended.
(Photo: MatthieuColin.com)
View more aerial pictures in the gallery below.
Looking south
On the bare tip of the platform, in the foreground of the photo, an area of land has been excavated for the cold basins and cooling towers. In the shadow of the mirror-clad Assembly Hall, the Site Services Building (whose walls are also mirror-clad) is now weather-tight and work has started to install mechanical services.
In the Tokamak Pit, behind the C1 crane, the grey surface of freshly poured concrete is clearly visible. This is the first pour of the Tokamak Building's B1 (basement 1) level. Pouring will continue on subsequent plots in the coming weeks.
Foundations for the giant cryoplant
Parallel to the Poloidal Field Coils Winding Facility (red roof), work is underway on the ITER cryoplant—the largest ever built. Foundation work for this soccer-field-size building is nearing completion; soon the walls will rise.