National Aquatics Center (Water Cube) |
Travel in Beijing | |||
Many creative designs have been employed in the creation of the swimming pools at the swimming center. Other high-tech facilities including optical devices used to define positions of athletes, and multiple-angle, three-dimensional screening systems are provided to help spectators enjoy competitions. Covering a total floor space of 50,000 square meters, it has 17,000 seats. The project costs about US$100 million. The center is a venue for swimming, diving, synchronized swimming and water-polo games during the period of the Olympic Games. The design blends aesthetic sensibilities with environmental practicality. In addition to saving energy through virtue of its decreased requirement for light and heat. Dust and dirt does not cling to the substance, and is said to wash away with rain. The outer surface and roof facade can collect 10,000 tons of rain water, 70,000 tons of clean water and 60,000 tons of swimming pool water annually. The National Swimming Center is a landmark Olympic venue that is constructed by donations from compatriots from Overseas.
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 continously pumped. The actual pumping has been sub-contracted, and the operator will be responsible for both the operation and maintenance of the façade for ten years. This was a key component of the contractor's brief.Address: Northeast of Beichen (běichén 北辰) Bridge, Chaoyang (Cháoyáng 朝阳) District, Beijing
National Aquatics Centre fee:30RMB Opening hours 9:00-17:30 Tips
国家游泳中心(水立方)简介
场馆名称:国家游泳中心 ![]() ![]()
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