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Water Cube (National Aquatics Center)

The National Aquatics Centre, also known as 'The Water Cube', is one of the
most dramatic and exciting venues to host sporting events for the Beijing
Olympics in 2008.

In July 2003, the consortium of Arup, architecture firm PTW, the CSCEC
(China State Construction and Engineering Corporation) and the CSCEC
Shenzhen Design Institute (CSCEC+DESIGN) won the international design
competition for the National Aquatics Centre for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The structural design is based on the natural formation of soap bubbles
which give a random, organic appearance. To achieve this, research was
undertaken by Weaire and Phelan (professors of physics) into how soap
bubbles might be arranged into an infinite array.

To bring the design to life, the individual bubbles were incorporated into a
plastic film and tailored like a sewing pattern. An entire section was pieced
together and then put into place within the structure. There are interior and
exterior films. The plastic film was then inflated and continuously pumped.

With art and excelling design, concise and pure appearance, as well as eco-friendly technology, the Water Cube is definitely a classic of
architecture in the Olympic history.

Many people believe Water Cube to be the “fastest” Olympic pool in the world. It is 1 meter deeper than most
Olympic pools. Up to a certain limit, beyond which swimmers will lose their sense of vision, deeper pools allow
the waves to dissipate down to the bottom, leading to less water disturbance to the swimmers. The pool also has
perforated gutters on both sides to absorb the waves. Coupled with the newly introduced faster Speedo LZR Racer
swim suit, it is expected that many records will fall in the Beijing Olympics.

After the Aug. 8-24 Games, the Water Cube will be refurbished into a multi-functional recreation center, providing
various aquatic facilities for both citizens and athletes.