Having been totally wowed—and more than a little troubled—by the spectacular opening ceremonies in Beijing’s now-famous National Stadium (better known as the Bird’s Nest), I felt that more investigation was in order. Never mind the fascinating creepiness evoked by thousands of synchronized clones moving in graceful, impossible precision…
I wanted to know just how wasteful was the sheer massiveness of China’s $43 billion investment in the 2008 Olympics?
One quick Google search later, the answer surprised me. Turns out that many of the new buildings in the Olympic's Complex were built using sustainable materials and designed for impressive energy efficiency.
According to an online Los Angeles Times article, Beijing’s Olympic Green, solar power is utilized for Bird’s Nest Stadium (track and field, men’s soccer final and the opening/closing ceremonies), the National Indoor Stadium (gymnastics, tumbling, trampoline and team handball) and the Yingdong Natatorium (water polo, modern pentathlon–swimming).
Energy-efficient aluminum alloy exteriors helped make Yingdong and the older Sports Center Gymnasium (team handball; training for wheelchair events) more eco-friendly as well. And the National Aquatic Center (diving, swimming, synchronized swimming), nicknamed “The Water Cube,” was constructed with an ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) skin that is only 1% the weight of glass, yet transmits more light and saves up to 30% in energy costs.
A review of Bird’s Nest Stadium at sustainable design blog Inhabitat.com says that the Stadium’s “…green features include a rainwater collection system, a translucent roof that provides essential sunlight for the grass below, and a natural, passive ventilation system.” The article also describes a rooftop system that regulates wind, weather and sunlight with inflatable cushions made from ETFE.
On the negative side, Bird’s Nest was built with an outrageous amount of steel: 50,000 tons. Given the worldwide steel shortages that have plagued many industries with exorbitant costs, perhaps that wasn’t the wisest use of this valuable resource.
Missed the opening ceremonies? Check out this YouTube video of the first segment, at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ytgyb4-0Ik which features over 2000 synchronized drummers, to give you a flavor of the evening festivities.
~ Teri Breier www.quintessencecreative.com
Comments