National Aquatics Center in Beijing

The National Aquatics Centre designed by CSCEC International Design and Australian Architects, Peddle Thorp Walker, in conjunction with Arup Engineers is located in the heart of Beijing. The diving, swimming and synchronized swimming events for the 2008 Olympic GamesTM were held here. The 4,000 Texlon® ETFE “bubbles” façade is known locally as the Water Cube. The design is based on the Weaire–Phelan “water” structure geometry; which was based on the natural formation of bubbles. It was originally developed by slicing through soap foam bubbles. The Water Cube’s façade consists of 4,000 Texlon® ETFE “bubbles”, some as large as 9.14 metres across, with 15 different sizes. This prestigious project with the Head Contractor, China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), comprises over 100,000m2 of Texlon® ETFE foils, making this the single largest ETFE structure in the world to date.