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Beijing National Aquatics Center Map

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Beijing National Aquatics Center, better known as Water Cube, is an aquatics center that was built alongside Beijing National Stadium (the Bird’s Net) in the Olympic Green for the swimming competitions of the 2008 Summer Olypics. It is one of the landmark buildings of the 2008 Summer Olypics.

Despite its nickname, the building is a cuboid (rectangular box), not a cube. Ground was broken on December 24, 2003, and the Center was completed and handed over for use on January 28, 2008. The cube-shaped Aquatic Centre is a steel frame covered with a membrane composed of energy-efficient ETFE, a plastic-like material. ETFE pillows create a bubble effect. The bubbles collect solar energy and help heat the swimming pools. This unique design reflects the perfect combination of traditional culture and modern technology. Cube is the basic form of Chinese ancient urban constructions, which shows the rules of Chinese social life.

Since october 15 2009, Beijing National Aquatic Center has undergone a reconstruction with the purpose of developing it into an amusement park, combining the serives of swimming and other recreational ativities. After the reconstruction, it will become paradise of a world of water. Much more services will be offered, which to a large extent will enrich the life of citizens and tourists.

Designers and Builders:
PTW Architects of Australia
CSCEC International Design
Arup Structural Engineers
CSCEC (China State Construction Engineering Corporation), builders

Facts About the National Aquatic Centre:
65,000-80,000 square metre floor area
6,000 permanent seats, 11,000 temporary seats
Designed for swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, and water-polo