Introduction:
As Beijing is a lively city, it is also abundant in its history, culture and architecture. Two of its most iconic structures are the Water Cube and the Bird’s Nest. These structures are loved by tourists from all over the world, and offer invaluable insight into China’s engineering expertise and inspiration. In this article, we will explore the details of these two unique pieces of architecture, learning about their history, purpose and the technical aspects that make them such amazing works of art.
Water Cube - A Mystical Structure
One of the main attractions for tourists in Beijing is the Water Cube, also known as the National Aquatics Center. Opened in 2008, this magnificent structure was commissioned for the 2008 Summer Olympics hosted by China. The center has everything from modern conveniences to elegant designs that make it stand out from other conventional buildings. One of the most exciting features of the Water Cube is its translucent blue membrane covering. This membrane is made up of air-filled pillows, creating a honeycomb effect. With its location right off of Olympic Green, the Water Cube has continued to be a popular location for all kinds of events.
The Bird’s Nest – The Engineering Wonder
Another fantastic piece of Chinese architecture that has been attracting visitors from all around the world is the Bird’s Nest, also known as the National Stadium of China. This stadium was constructed for the 2008 Summer Olympics, as well. It housed the opening and closing ceremonies, and also served as the main venue for track and field events. What makes the Bird’s Nest so special is its unique design which resembles a gigantic bird’s nest with thousands of interwoven steel beams. One of the most impressive aspects of the Bird's Nest is its sustainable and eco-friendly design. The stadium is equipped with rooftop rainwater harvesting system and solar panels, making it one of the leading environmentally responsible structures globally.
Technical Aspects & Design:
The Bird's Nest's complex and magnificent design is accomplished through the use of diagonal and vertical steel bars. These steel bars are woven together in a complicated way that creates an illusion of randomness. The design of the structure is exceptional, as it is highly flexible and therefore can withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes. It took four years to complete the construction of the Bird's Nest, and by the end of 2007, it was fully functional, just in time for that year's Olympic Games.
The Water Cube's design is another highly-complicated one. Its artistic blue bubbles are made of ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) materials, which are known for their high-strength and durability. ETFE materials are lightweight, and they perform better than glass in terms of energy efficiency. Additionally, the design team for the Water Cube paid close attention to the building's water management when creating the building’s system. The design ensured that the Water Cube would use 60% less water than a conventional swimming pool.
Conclusion:
In general, China is an unstoppable force when it comes to both technological and engineering advancements. The Water Cube and Bird's Nest are two examples of China's innovative spirit, the desire to take on new challenges, and promoting sustainable development. Both architectural structures are a treasure to mankind – the product of remarkable design, cutting-edge technology, and disciplined teamwork. When visitors observe these two magnificent structures, they will understand that the Oriental nation has truly been a leader in innovation and creativity.
