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This water strange structure has been under construction for three years. The ground breaking was in 2003. It is one of Beijing's Olympic projects and just completed as of 1/28/08. On time for the 2008 Olympics in China.

The " Water Cube" a blue palatial structure, will most likely be filled, with up to 17,000 spectators. The 17,000 seats of which 6,000 are permanent, and 11,000 that are temporary seating. All having bubble designs.

Those most fortunate people will witness the competition, in the complex framed structure,designed and built, using advanced technology. This Olympic architecture has become a landmark structure. The finalists in water sports, with the best swimmers, including synchronized swimming, as well as diving and Water Polo. All will be part of the coming Olympic Games, which will produce forty-two Gold Medals.

Olympic fans will be eclipsed in a bubble composed of 3,000 pneumatic cushioned covered bubbles, which can resist the weight of a car, and as well resistant against interior heat and fire. This covers an area of 110,000 square meters and is, the largest in the world. This is "Water Cube," Where the lucky spectators will be part of this historical competition known as the Olympics.

There is an underground structure, called the "Birds Nest" the name acquired because of the intertwined design resembling a bird's nest. It is part of a sophisticated water purification system. Necessary to meet the standards required for aquatic centers. This is a "green" Olympics. Thanks to the advanced technical skills of those that are and have been involved in this project.

With transparent membranes, that have two layers, and is separated by an interior passage. It is this design, that allows this great structure to breathe. Because of the different degrees of density, there is control of the sunlight that helps reduce heat, as well, it can absorb solar radiation. The outside skin is made of Teflon like material, known as ETFE, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene. Eight fans then discharge air naturally and are set on the roof. As fresh air enters the building, it then can be discharged through the roof. Therefore maintaining the comfort of both athletes and fans.

This structure rarely collects dust and can be cleaned by rainwater, which is collected by a system within the structure. Special tiled floors are incorporated into the design, so that the athletes will not feel cold.

Fountains supply drinking water, and each is decorated with colored lighting tubes. Making them beautiful as well, easier to locate.

All services are "people friendly" and barrier free. With 67 rest rooms-95 western style toilets and 97 squat style. Women's restrooms contain up to 15% more toilets than at other venues.

Night scape lighting can be used with colorful variations; there is beauty and function combined in this magnificent National Aquatic Center. It has been said that this "Water Cube" can last for about 100 years.

The official slogan for the Beijing Olympics is " One World One Dream." There are plans in place for the conversion of the "Water Cube" into a shopping center and nightclub, after the Olympic Games.

One can only imagine that this structure will light up the night and fulfill its great function and will always live up to its name a "water strange structure" unlike any other in the world.

http://en.beijing2008.cn /46/39/watercube.shtml
http://w ww.contractjournal.com/blogs/c onstruction-projects-world
http ://www.contractjournal.com
http ://en.beijing2008.cn/cptvenues /venues/nac/headlined/
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