The National Aquatics Center, one of the main venues of the 2008 Games, is quickly taking shape alongside the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium in northern Beijing.

 

 

The National Aquastics Center, or the Water Cube, is seen in this photo taken on December 7, 2006. Organizers of 2008 Beijing Olympics said the Games' venues would be completed before the end of 2007.

 

The design of the "Water Cube," which has a membrane-like exterior made from transparent cushions, plays on the geometry of water bubbles in a rectangular form.

 

At the moment, 85 percent of the cushions have been installed, according to officials at the construction site.

 

Sun Hongzhuang, manager of the construction project, said that the cushions are strong enough to endure any bad weather.

 

According to Sun, the cushions, which are expected to last for up to 30 years, can withstand the full force of an adult jumping repeatedly on them.

 

Co-designed by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), Arup Engineering Group and PTW Architects, the center, a short distance from the National Stadium promises to be an architectural highlight of the Beijing Olympics.

 

The blue bubbles that form the external structure of the Water Cube are made from a state-of-the-art lightweight transparent material known as ETFE cushions. ETFE allows high levels of natural daylight into the building and harnesses solar energy to heat the building and the pool.

 

"Most of the light in the center will come from natural daylight, allowing the athletes and spectators enjoy soft natural lighting," Sun said.

 

Another important feature of the new swimming center is that it will be able to recycle 80 percent of the water used. This will have environmental benefits and also make the complex much more self-reliant in terms of its water supply.

 

It is envisaged that about 3,000 cushions will be installed at the "Water Cube," covering a total area of 110,000 square meters.

 

By the end of this year, construction of the walls and the installation of the membrane structure of the outside roof will be completed and the whole project will be finished by next October.

 

With a total budget of just over 1 billion yuan (US$130 million), the "Water Cube" is the only venue for the Beijing Games that is being constructed with donations from overseas Chinese. Since this membrane structure is totally new in China, the installation of the cushions has proven costly and the final cost may exceed the original budget, Sun said.

 

During the Games, the "Water Cube," which has a seating capacity of 17,000, will host swimming, diving, water polo and synchronized swimming events. After the Games, it will be developed into a multi-purpose leisure and swimming center including a gym and an ice rink.

 

(China Daily December 15, 2006)