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Press information, September 2005
Vision
Construction of an indoor stadium with two arenas on the Olympic Green Grounds in the north of Peking for the Olympic Games 2008. Situated on the main axis of the grounds, together with the swimming stadium on the second corner and the Olympic stadium on the third corner, the structure forms an almost equilateral triangle.
Due to their function and their space-forming effect, these three buildings are the most outstanding and most important structures of the entire Olympic facility. Representative for the importance of sport in the city of Peking and the whole of China in the post-olympic era, they are to allow a wide spectrum of uses in the future.
Concept
All the functions of the National Indoor Stadium, the large arena circle and the smaller circle of the adjoining hall will be incorporated together under one large roof. The dynamic of the sports activities taking place in the arena are mirrored in the rhythmic swing of the roof landscape. A swinging wave lies playfully and lightly over the functional elements. This airiness and rhythm of sport re-appears in the large arcade area. Fancifully formed, almost dancing supports mark the main entrance on the east side of the building.
By means of wide open stairways the visitor reaches the contact area of the main arena. The arena circle itself hangs as an oval solitaire in the structure which is glass-enclosed from all sides. The rhythm, dynamic and verve of the sport competitions are mirrored in the rounded moulding of the arena basin. The inside area is spaciously set off from the outside. The use of steeply ascending seating platforms and the maximum nearness to the competition area helps create an intensive tension between spectator and athlete. Disturbing elements from the surroundings are to be eliminated, in order to allow complete concentration on the sport competitions.
The outside effect of the various functional areas can be experienced everywhere, because of the all-round glass enclosure. Starting at the base, the adherence to material becomes less and less as it rises to the heavens. The winged roof also rests on a sweeping matrix and forms a transition between earth and heaven. The harmonious outward appearance depicts at any time the aesthetic of dynamic movement.
With the choice of material and orientation special attention was paid to China‘s tradition for deep symbols, its relationship to nature and the meaning of the various heavenly cardinal points in the Asian culture.
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