The Beijing National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube, is an iconic sports venue located in Beijing, China. It was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Beijing. Here are some interesting facts about the Beijing National Aquatics Center:
Design: The Beijing National Aquatics Center was designed by a consortium made up of the Australian architecture firm PTW Architects, the engineering firm Arup, and the China State Construction Engineering Corporation. The building’s design is inspired by the natural formation of soap bubbles and features a translucent blue and green façade made up of over 4,000 ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) bubbles.
Capacity: The Beijing National Aquatics Center has a seating capacity of 17,000 people, making it one of the largest indoor stadiums in Asia. During the 2008 Summer Olympics, it hosted swimming, diving, and synchronized swimming events.
Water Quality: The water in the Beijing National Aquatics Center is treated with a special filtration system that uses ozone, UV radiation, and other advanced technologies to maintain its purity. The water quality was so high during the 2008 Olympics that over 25 world records were broken in the venue.
Energy Efficiency: The Beijing National Aquatics Center is designed to be highly energy efficient. The building’s ETFE façade allows for natural light to enter the building, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The building also features a rainwater collection system that helps to reduce water consumption.
Post-Olympics: After the 2008 Olympics, the Beijing National Aquatics Center underwent a renovation to convert it into a public swimming facility. It reopened in 2010 and is now open to the public for recreational swimming, diving, and other water activities.
Sustainability: The Beijing National Aquatics Center has won numerous awards for its sustainable design and energy efficiency. It was awarded a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification, which is the highest rating possible for sustainable buildings.
Tourist Attraction: The Beijing National Aquatics Center has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Beijing, with over 4 million visitors annually. The building offers guided tours that provide visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at the venue’s history, design, and technology.
In conclusion, the Beijing National Aquatics Center is a stunning and iconic sports venue that showcases the cutting-edge design and technology of modern China. Its unique design, energy efficiency, and post-Olympic legacy as a public facility make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in sports, architecture, or sustainability.