Designed by PTW Architect, The Beijing National Aquatics Centre or so-called “Watercube” will become the landmark building of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

It associates water as a structural and thematical “leitmotiv” with the square, the primal shape of the house in chinese tradition and mythology. The entire structure of the watercube is based on a unique lightweight-construction, developped by PTW with ARUP, and derived from the the structure of water in the state of aggregation of FOAM. Behind the totally randomized appearance hides a strict geometry as can be found in natural systems like crystals, cells and molecular structures - (the most efficient subdivision of 3dimensional space with equally sized cells. –> structure report)

By applying this novel material and technology the transparency and the appearing randomness is transposed into the inner and outer skins of ETFE cushions. Unlike traditional stadium structures with gigantic columns and beams, cables and backspans, to which a facade system is applied, in the watercube design the architectural space, structure and facade are one and the same element. Conceptually the square box and the interior spaces are carved out of an undefined cluster of foam bubbles, symbolizing a condition of nature that is transformed into a condition of culture.

The appearance of the aquatic centre is therefore a “cube of water molecules” - the WATERCUBE. In combination with the main stadium by Herzog de Meuron, a duality between fire and water, male and female, Yin and Yang is being created with all its associated tensions/attractions.