Beijing unveils the Water Cube
BEIJING – Singapore has its “durian” lookalike – the theatre complex on the Esplanade – and London has its “gherkin” – the new Sir Norman Foster building in the City.
Now Beijing has its “water cube” (below) and there’s a “bird’s nest” to follow.
Beijing Olympic officials have officially unveiled the bubble-wrapped National Aquatics Centre.
Nicknamed the “Water Cube”, the venue is clad in a honeycomb of transparent cushions.
Li Aiqing, president of the company behind construction, said, “The whole project is complex and unique.
“After five years of effort, we are very, very happy. It is one of the biggest swimming centres in the world.”
After the Olympics and Paralympics, a quarter of the venue will be retained for competition with the rest used for leisure purposes.
The second showpiece venue of the Games, the neighbouring 91,000-seater National Stadium, or “Bird’s Nest”, is scheduled for completion by the end of March.
Ian Jarrett
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