The temporary structure - similar in size and scale to Wimbledon's Centre Court -  will be planned and built by London 2012 stadium architect Populous in conjunction with Atkins, the UK's largest engineering and design consultancy.

The 15,000-seat outdoor bowl, which will feature lighting for evening competition, has been designed as two distinct elements - a "theatre in the round" lower bowl to provide a high energy atmosphere, and a three-sided upper bowl allowing cameras to use historic sites and the London skyline beyond as a backdrop.

Although temporary, the structure will still need building regulations approval and have to undergo the same rigorous safety tests.

The proposals, outlined by London 2012 in their planning submission to Westminster City Council, are the culmination of significant work by Populous and Atkins to address the inherent challenges of creating a stadium for 15,000 people which will run well into the night.

Factors that have been taken into consideration include accessibility, noise, lighting, traffic, spectator experience and the requirements of the competitors themselves.



Jeff Keas, principal of Populous, said: "We have designed and will create a sporting arena where you would least expect it in the heart of historic London.

"In a six-week period, Horse Guards Parade will not only be the venue for the pageantry and spectacle of Trooping of the Colour and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, but it will host beach volleyball for the 2012 Games."

Mike McNicholas, Atkins' London 2012 Games project director, said: "This is a critical part of the work Atkins has been undertaking across the London Olympic project and in many ways one of the most visible.

"A location as prestigious and historical as Horse Guards Parade is a fantastic backdrop for any event, but presents additional questions that do not arise elsewhere.

"We are proud of the technical skills we have brought to bear and believe the temporary structure provides a solution that should be considered more broadly in the future."

James Bulley, the London 2012 director of venues and infrastructure, said: "While for many the emphasis of the Games will be at the Olympic Park in East London, our aim is for London to play a starring role in the Games.

"Populous and Atkins, through imaginative design and architectural construction, have enabled LOCOG to use an historic landmark for a major tournament.

"We hope this will contribute to making London 2012 the best possible Olympic and Paralympic Games experience for everyone involved, ensuring a real legacy and inspiring people to join in."

Horse Guards Parade has a long tradition of hosting celebrated events, from Henry VIII's tournaments to the annual Trooping of the Colour.