(BEIJING, January 28) -- The blue-colored National Aquatics Center (NAC), nicknamed the "Water Cube" and located by Beijing's North Fourth Ring Road, was inaugurated and delivered for use on the morning of January 28, 2008.

The design of the "Water Cube" features the "bubbles" membrane structure, which is composed of more than 3,000 pneumatic die cushions with a coverage area of 110, 000 square meters. The design literally embodies the water theme and fully showcases the grace and sensitivity of water in accordance with the bubbles-like design of its supporting structure.

How does the gigantic translucent exterior covering get cleaned?

The answer is that the venue can clean itself!

"The cleaning of the blue 'bubbles' made of ETFE membrane is very simple," answered Zheng Fang, the top designer of the Chinese-side design company.

The venue's membrane structure, covered by ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) air cushions can be cleaned even in light rain. And seepers and dust can be easily be removed from the sunken areas between the bubbles.