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Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest)
Also known as the bird's nest will be the main track and field stadium for the 2008 Summer Olympics. |
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National stadium design concept
2008-1-27 11:50:10
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| Architectural Summary |
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The National Stadium is located on a gentle rise in the centre of the Olympic complex. An undulating composition of high and low elevations moderates the bulk of the vessel and gives it a dramatic sweeping form. The stadiums appearance is pure structure. Façade and structure are identical. The structural elements mutually support each other and converge into a grid-like formation -- almost like a bird's nest with its interwoven twigs. The design meets all the functional and technical requirements of an Olympic Stadium, but without communicating the insistent sameness of technocratic architecture dominated by large spans and digital screens. The spatial effect of the stadium is novel and radical and yet simple and of an almost archaic immediacy, thus creating a unique historical landmark for the Olympics 2008.
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| +The plinth |
| The geometries of the plinth and stadium merge into one element, like a tree and its roots. Pedestrians flow on a lattice of smooth slate walkways that extend from the structure of the stadium. The spaces between walkways provide amenities for the stadium visitor: sunken gardens, stone squares, bamboo groves, mineral hillscapes, and openings into the plinth itself. Gently, almost imperceptibly, the ground of the city rises and forms a plinth for the stadium. The entrance to the stadium is therefore slightly raised, providing a panorama of the entire Olympic complex. |
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| +The roof |
| The spatial effect of the stadium is novel and radical and yet simple and of an almost archaic immediacy. Its appearance is pure structure. Façade and structure are identical. The structural elements mutually support each other and converge into a spatial grid-like formation, in which Façades, stairs, bowl structure and the roof are integrated. To make the roof weatherproof the spaces in the structure of the stadium will be filled with a translucent membrane just as birds stuff their spaces between the woven twigs of their nests with soft filler. Since all of the facilities -- restaurants, suites, shops and restrooms -- are self-contained units, it is largely possible to do without a solid, enclosed Façade. This allows natural ventilation of the stadium, which is the most important aspect of the stadium's sustainable design. |
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| +The bowl |
| The stadium is conceived as a large collective vessel, which makes a distinctive and unmistakable impression both when it is seen from a distance and from close up. Inside the stadium, an evenly constructed bowl-like shape serves to generate crowd excitement and drive athletes to outstanding performances. To create a smooth and homogeneous appearance, the stands have minimal interruption and the acoustic ceiling hides the structure in order to focus attention on the spectators and the events on the field. The human crowd forms the architecture. | | |
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