Beijing National Aquatics Center
PTW Architects + CSCEC + CCDI + Arup · Beijing, China · 2008
The Beijing National Aquatics Center, widely known as the Water Cube, encloses Olympic swimming facilities within a lightweight steel space frame wrapped by translucent ETFE cushions. The cellular façade geometry was derived from efficient foam structures, giving the large box a distinctive appearance while allowing daylight to penetrate the interior. Developed by PTW Architects, Chinese partners and Arup for the 2008 Olympic Games, the building became one of the event’s defining architectural icons. Its later adaptation for winter-sports use also demonstrates the flexibility demanded of large Olympic infrastructure.