The Beijing National Stadium, also known as the “Bird’s Nest,” is an iconic stadium located in the Olympic Green in Beijing, China. It was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics and is known for its unique design and engineering. Here are some interesting facts about the stadium:
Design: The stadium was designed by the Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron in collaboration with Chinese artist. The design was inspired by Chinese ceramics and was meant to resemble a bird’s nest.
Construction: The stadium took four years to build and cost $423 million. It was built by 17,000 workers and is made of steel and concrete.
Size: The stadium has a seating capacity of 80,000 and covers an area of 258,000 square meters. It is the largest steel structure in the world and has a height of 69.2 meters.
Energy efficiency: The stadium was designed to be energy-efficient and uses a natural ventilation system that takes advantage of the surrounding winds to cool the interior. It also has a rainwater harvesting system that collects rainwater for use in landscaping.
Events: The stadium has hosted many events since the 2008 Olympics, including concerts, sports events, and cultural performances. It was also used as a filming location for the movie “Transformers: Age of Extinction.”
Legacy: The stadium has become a symbol of modern China and is a popular tourist attraction. It has also been used to promote sustainable architecture and design.
Records: The stadium has set several world records, including the world record for the largest synchronized LED light display and the world record for the largest video screen.
Technology: The stadium is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a retractable roof and a LED lighting system that can change colors and patterns.
Symbolism: The stadium has been compared to a bird’s nest, a Chinese lantern, and a dragon’s tail. It is seen as a symbol of China’s rise as a global power and its ability to host large-scale events.
Awards: The stadium has won several awards for its design and engineering, including the Structural Award for Sports or Leisure Structures and the Gold Medal of the Institution of Structural Engineers.