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Monday, 28 January 2008 |
Beijing Olympics "Water Cube" unveiled
Olympic officials in Beijing have unveiled the National Aquatics Centre, which is nicknamed the "Water Cube".
The incredible sports venue, which has cost £72m funded by donations from around the world, is bubble-wrapped with transparent plastic cushions.
Li Aiqing, president of the construction firm that have been in charge of building it explained: "The whole project is complex and unique. After five years of effort, we are very, very happy. It is one of the biggest swimming centres in the world."
The transparent cushions on the outside of the building are made up of 100,000 square metres of ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) plastic, and some 6,700 tonnes of steel and 1,300 tonnes of welding rods were also needed.
As many as 42 gold medals will be contested and won at the venue in swimming, diving and synchronised swimming.
Following the finish of the Olympic Games and Paralympics, a quarter of the venue will be kept on for sporting competition whilst the rest of the building will be given over for leisure activities.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 31 January 2008 )
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