BEIJING | 2008 Summer Olympics Development News

[Mr. Fusion]

The Games of the XXIX Olympiad

____http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/mrfusion1/B08.jpg____


Dedicated to the following venues:

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing National Aquatics Center - National Indoor Stadium - Beijing Shooting Range Hall - Wukesong Indoor Stadium - Laoshan Velodrome - And Many More!

Link To Previous Thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=317234)

:grouphug:

[Mr. Fusion]

Beijing National Stadium:

http://static.flickr.com/111/287644889_249e05e970_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/120/284092387_e475ede4c0_b.jpg

Beijing National Aquatics Center:

http://static.flickr.com/100/288066964_0926215e76_o.jpg

[eng_kheffa]

I DID NOT LIKE THIS SLOGAN ...

I THINK IT IS VERY UGLY
COMPARING WITH LAST RECENT SLOGANS OF OLYMPICS OR WC


EXCEPT 4 THE WORD AND THE DATE .. THEY R GOOD




http://thespoke.net/photos/hashamhas/default.aspx

[xiaoluis]

:applause:

Go Go Go China Go Go Go!!

[ZZ-II]

i like it!

[marax0]

Give links to threads :) plix

[xix19xix]

"A Chinese textbook "Little Fox Sells Air" is a primary school book about a cunning fox that opens an air-selling business in a dirty air-polluted city.

Capitalizing on that idea, Li Jie, decided to bag "World Cup Air" for 50 yuan ($6.30) and sell it.

He also wants to bag Beijing 2008 Olympic Air, Tian'anmen Square Air, Mount Everest Air and and....well, the sky is the limit, literally.

Li asked the court, "A textbook could not possibly advocate breaking the law, could it?"

The Chaoyang Industry and Commerce Bureau rejected his application.

I don't know why. Let the guy sell the air. The only thing more foolish might be the people who buy it.

My dad used to say that people will buy anything. "If you left a bucket of manure on the front porch of a house sooner or later someone would buy it, either because they want the bucket or the manure."

Chinese can be really enterprising :nuts:

By the way, the Baseball stadium at Wukesong is temporary. So maybe they will sell parts of the stadium as souveniors after the Games!

[duskdawn]

nice thread never dies :)

[SactoSpam]

Amazing architecture...

[xix19xix]

Some photos of the Regatta in an actual event.

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4479/3983/400/qsr1.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4479/3983/400/qsr2.jpg

and Feng Tai Baseball Stadium

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4479/3983/320/fengtai6.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4479/3983/320/fengtai5.jpg

More in my blog! Sorry lazy to post everything :P

[Skyscrapercitizen]

Some renderings in the first post should have been great...

[Andrew]

Those are looking absolutely amazing! I can't wait to see them finished, come 2008 Beijing is gonna put on one hell of a show!

[Kenwen]

Is almost finished, wow!!!!the constructions really shows some efficiency there

[xix19xix]

This park recently completed the first phase of construction. The main navigation channels reached a depth of 0.8m with 300, 000 cubic meters of water. It is expected to reach a final depth of 3.5m with 1.7million cubic meters of water next year.

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/2484/4364/400/shunyi1.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/2484/4364/400/shunyi2.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/2484/4364/400/shunyi6.jpg

Some other pictures at http://beijing08082008.blogspot.com

[xiaoluis]

i think that the acquatic centre is almost finished.

[xix19xix]

i think that the acquatic centre is almost finished.

Only the exterior. It should be 100% ready by February 2008 as they will host the very first international event there then. The event is the China Open Swimming Competition.

[Javier]

The structure of the Beijing National Stadium is jaw dropping!! :eek2:

It looks like a total mess, but it's all studied, and measured.

Cogratulations :okay:

[Ohno]

Construction on landmark buildings for the 2008 Olympics is way ahead of schedule
Source : Businessweek by Albert Warson
Construction of the 2008 Olympic Games’ venues is being pushed so aggressively that the shells of the Olympic Stadium and National Swimming Centre buildings in Beijing are nearing completion. And the International Sailing Centre in the coastal city of Qingdao, which opened earlier this year, has already hosted two international regattas.

There won’t be any of the eleventh-hour flap over finishing the Olympic Stadium, as there was in Athens in 2004. Sun Weide, a spokesperson for Beijing’s organizing committee, said in a recent interview that the Games’ 37 competition venues and 76 training venues will be ready by the end of 2007—more than seven months before the Olympic torch is lit in the Chinese capital August 8, 2008.

With more than 600,000 visitors expected for the Games, most of them converging on Beijing, easing the desperately congested traffic flow is a top priority. Weide also reported that six roads have been constructed, while 25 more, plus four new subway lines, are underway.

The new roads and subways will facilitate access to the Games’ centerpiece, the 100,000-seat National Stadium, where the Games will ceremonially start and finish, with track and field events in between. The steel superstructure of the Herzog & de Meuron–designed “bird’s nest” stadium is virtually completed; gaps among the members of what appears to be a roller coaster from hell will now be filled with inflated ETFE cushions. ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) is a Teflon-like material said to feature high corrosion resistance and strength over a wide temperature range.

ETFE also will be used to enclose the neighboring 70,000-square-meter National Swimming Centre, more informally known as the Watercube. Designed by Sydney-based PTW Architects, the organic-looking, various-sized shapes are crystallized in a massive rectangular form stretched across a simple steel space-frame internal structure.

Andrew Frost, a PTW director, says the “elemental shape is specifically designed to work in harmony with the circular main stadium” and will be used before and after the games as a multi-purpose leisure and elite swimming centre. The design “appears random and playful like a natural system, yet is mathematically very rigorous and repetitious. The transparency of water, with the mystery of the bubble system, engages those both inside and out of the structure to consider their own experiences with water.”

The swimming facility will house 17,000 spectators and should be completed by year’s end. Ordinarily, a swimming facility would need a fair bit of heating, but the absence of such a system has also contributed to the speed of construction. Kenneth Ma, an Arup mechanical engineer working on the project, attributes this fact to the EFTE cladding, which he says creates a very efficient greenhouse: “Ninety percent of the solar energy falling on the building [is] trapped within the structural zone and heats the pools and interior area” during the city’s bitterly cold winters, he explains.

[Sera]

^^Wow, China is really prepared to showcase its coming of age!

[Erebus555]

I remember watching a small documentary on the construction boom for the Olympics and they showed some really cool shots of the inside of the stadium.

[six453]

any updates on this one? suddenly we dont see any update photos where it used to have a lot before...

[xix19xix]

http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2484/4364/400/889413/watercube15.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2484/4364/400/729785/watercube16.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2484/4364/400/985924/birdnest5.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2484/4364/400/496033/birdnest4.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2484/4364/400/540030/birdnest3.jpg

From China Foto Press. I put these up on my blog a few days ago. Basically, the news article say that they will be ready by 2007. Personally I think the next major update will come with the lighting up of the stadiums.

You can also check out the design of the Beijing University Stadium on my blog. (http://beijing08082008.blogspot.com) I am attempting to find pictures of the Beijing University Stadium as it's reported in a Chinese news site that it should already have been roofed yesterday.

[HP]

http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2484/4364/400/496033/birdnest4.jpg

Wow, love this stadium, but all those shadows are worrying... What are the plans for the gaps between the steel roof structure, cos as it is it's going to look strange when all the events are being held, and surely it would be pretty annoying for the athletes!

Am I just me being thick:nuts:?

[Cannonball]

Am I the only one getting red "x" boxes for pics on xix19xix's posts? I can't see any of them.

[zerokarma]

I DID NOT LIKE THIS SLOGAN ...

I THINK IT IS VERY UGLY
COMPARING WITH LAST RECENT SLOGANS OF OLYMPICS OR WC
[/url]

Yea I agree

[Peterw]

Your not the only one, I also see only red x instead of the pics

[xix19xix]

Your not the only one, I also see only red x instead of the pics

I think it's because blogger.com isn't functioning during those periods. If situation persists, I will switch to photobucket.

[Peterw]

^^
Oke thanks, like to see the photo's you have made

[eng_kheffa]

when will it b completed?

[xix19xix]

Here they are again. Will appreciate if you would visit my blog (http://beijing08082008.blogspot.com) for other news! :)


Bird Nest
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/xix19xix/birdnest.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/xix19xix/birdnest3.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/xix19xix/birdnest2.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/xix19xix/birdnest4.jpg


Water Cube
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/xix19xix/wwatercube20.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/xix19xix/wwatercube19.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/xix19xix/wwatercube18.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/xix19xix/wwatercube17.jpg

[Kenwen]

wow, looks like almost finish

[jhae]

GREAT pics there xix19xix..
hmm seems the watercube will be having it's roofing done, with the same material????
wahhh.. those stuructures for sailing events looks wicked.. ehhe

[megatower]

i wish the bird nest would have been built in Chicago

[six453]

hi

do you guys happen to have floor plans, or know where to get schematic diagrams / floor plans of the bird's nest stadium? i would like to see and study how it goes inside..

thanks!

[six453]

sorry for repost ! something wrong with internet connection...

[xix19xix]

This stadium is almost complete! It's the Tianjin Olympic Stadium about 1 to 2 hr train ride from Beijing to the North. It's the venue for some of the soccer preliminaries.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/xix19xix/tianjinstadium2.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/xix19xix/tianjinstadium.jpg

[eng_kheffa]

nice

[Bluesence]

I love the bird nest seen from the outside!

[xiaoluis]

VERY NICE

[Peterw]

Thanks xix19xix, i now can see your photos :)
Love the bird nest its a hugh construction. Nice to see that the finist almost the Tianjin Olympic Stadium :)

[xix19xix]

Thanks xix19xix, i now can see your photos :)
Love the bird nest its a hugh construction. Nice to see that the finist almost the Tianjin Olympic Stadium :)

No problem! :)

by the way, the hoisting phase of the bird nest is completed today, 30 Nov2006!!! So the stadium construction will now shift to the interior of the stadium.

I must say that the Chinese are really fast! It will definitely complete the stadium 1 year ahead of the Games!!!

The news can be found on my blog :) (http://beijing08082008.blogspot.com)

http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2484/4364/1600/322848/bbirdnest3.jpg

[Peterw]

^^ Thanks for your message. So the birdnest is complete 1 year ahead. :banana: What will they do whit it before and after the Games?

[xix19xix]

^^ Thanks for your message. So the birdnest is complete 1 year ahead. :banana: What will they do whit it before and after the Games?

There will be a series of pre-Games tournaments to test out the stadium before the Games. In fact, the Chinese are testing out ALL the stadiums and had already started testing the Fengtai Softball Stadium and the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Regatta from Aug this year! This whole series of test is officially called "Good Luck, Bejing!"

Some events that has been announced for the Bird Nest are:

Race walking IAAF Race Walking Challenge 2008.04.19-04.20
Marathon 2008 China Open 2008.04.20
Athletics China Open 2008.05.22-05.25

Recap -
Functions during the Games: Athletics, Football;
Post-Games use: The Stadium is to stage sports events at national and international levels,as well as cultural and entertaining activities. The sitting capacity is expected to reduced from 91000 during the games to 80000.

Hope this helps :)

[z0rg]

http://www.skyscrapers.cn/forum/attachments/000000000_elSNDpmeP8EL.jpg

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http://www.skyscrapers.cn/forum/attachments/000_clsMFm6wUOop.jpg

http://www.skyscrapers.cn/forum/attachments/00_8DjU9ziAX4jt.jpg

http://www.skyscrapers.cn/forum/attachments/0_TKh5GPMEsUYW.jpg

[Mr. Fusion]

Great pics z0rg! Thank you. :yes:

:grouphug:

[Leesome]

WHOA!! Pics 3&4 are AMAAAAAAAAAAAZING!!

[z0rg]

^^ Yeah, Half Life 3, lol

[xix19xix]

^^ Yeah, Half Life 3, lol

Yeah! Awesome! I like the lighting!!! It's so cool!!!

[Peterw]

Nice pictures :)

[Durbsboi]

Oh my god, great pics dude! like something out of a sci-fi flick! awesome, love the green light

[Skyscrapercitizen]

:eek: Fabulous! Thanks for sharing!

[cyberjaya]

^^ Yeah, Half Life 3, lol

exactly. this is not real :)

[Rodrigo_BSB]

The Beijing National Stadium is a jewel! :eek: Very well done, China! :)

[eng_kheffa]

what a very complicated steel work !!!!!!!!!!!1

[Sera]

The Beijing Stadium is truly an ICON of China's Century

[bluga]

WHOA!

[oliver999]

The Beijing Stadium is truly an ICON of China's Century

i hope it become sydney opera , such a famouse icon.:cheers:

[YelloPerilo]

The hardware is improving so rapidly in China ... now we have to improve the software at the same pace as well!!!

[VVVV]

^^ agree. and splendid pics. thanks zorg.

[xiaoluis]

OMG z0rg !!! amazing!!
La pucha...

[The Cebuano Exultor]

The "Bird's Nest" National Stadium is the most massive, amazing and spectacular stadium I have ever seen! Wow! :drool:

[Sera]

i hope it become sydney opera , such a famouse icon.:cheers:

Call me over-optimistic but I hope this stadium will be Beijing's Modern ICON...much like the Opera House is to Sydney or the Eiffel Tower to Paris :banana:

[xix19xix]

Call me over-optimistic but I hope this stadium will be Beijing's Modern ICON...much like the Opera House is to Sydney or the Eiffel Tower to Paris :banana:

Hi over-optimistic!

I concur! :) However, I still like the Water Cube more!

[eng_kheffa]

yea

i agree with u

[Peterw]

Are there any updates from the Watercube?

[xix19xix]

Are there any updates from the Watercube?

http://images.beijing-2008.org/35/07/Img212060735.jpg

This is an award winning photo by Peter Danford (USA) during a recent compeition held by Beijing Tourism Administration with the theme as "Beijing - the Olympic city in lens".

[Peterw]

Realy nice picture thanks xix19xix :)

[zergcerebrates]

Are there any updates from the Watercube?

here it is :

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-12/07/xinsrc_17212030716384531295910.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-12/07/xinsrc_17212030716388592524211.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-12/07/xinsrc_18212030716389372719213.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-12/07/xinsrc_19212030716382651815914.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-12/07/xinsrc_19212030716385623044415.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-12/07/xinsrc_19212030716388431868516.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-12/07/xinsrc_20212030716383592031817.jpg

[W!CKED]

Wow! almost done,it looks really nice

[Peterw]

Thanks for the update zergcerebrates. Looks really impressive. When is the official opening?

[YelloPerilo]

WOW ... super sexy!!!

[Kenwen]

nice, looks so 3d

[ntly1]

Great & nice Beijing Olympics stadiums ! Can I ask what kind of material is used for the external wall of the WATERCUBE ?

[zee]

it looks exactly like the renders

[xix19xix]

Great & nice Beijing Olympics stadiums ! Can I ask what kind of material is used for the external wall of the WATERCUBE ?

This is what I posted on my blog. I translated from a few Chinese newspaper -


The membrane installation of the National Aquatic Center (‘Water Cube’) is now 85% completed and is expected to be complete by the end of the year with the installation of the roof membranes.

The Chinese name for the ‘Water Cube’ is actually very interesting. It’s called 水立方, or “Where the Water Stands”. I thought that’s a very poetic name for the stadium!

The ETFE membrane is said to have the ability to “self-clean”. The surface of ETFE has anti-adhesion property that prevents dust from staying on the surface. Even when dust does get trapped, rain will be sufficient to wash the particles away. So when is human effort required for a wash? Well, when the infamous dust storm strucks!

The Water Cube will eventually have 3000 ETFE membranes of varying sizes and they function like air pillows. Are they strong enough? Well, apparently ETFE is able to withstand pressure better than other types of membrane. You can use it as trampoline! If a membrane is damaged, it will be replaced in 8 hours time. How is that possible? Well, Beijing already has facilities that manufacture this new age material! What’s more? These EFTE membranes ensure the use of sunlight as the source of ambient lighting in the stadium!

The exterior coat of the structure will be decorated with many white light spots. They are called galvanizing points. What’s their function? To regulate and enhance the luminosity, aesthetic and temperature of the stadium during the hot summer days when the Games are being played. I believe they also ensure that there’s not too much reflection and shadows into the building. It will be completed in Oct 2007.

[TooFar]

Man. What an impressive building!

[VVVV]

BLUE SKY MAKES IT LOOKS MORE SPECTACULAR.

[vincent]

http://www.skyscrapers.cn/forum/attachments/000000000_elSNDpmeP8EL.jpg

http://www.skyscrapers.cn/forum/attachments/00000000_jtEN2JcwwtbB.jpg

http://www.skyscrapers.cn/forum/attachments/0000000_qwN7Nyj6BdJg.jpg

http://www.skyscrapers.cn/forum/attachments/000000_zXOY83YcIKP3.jpg

http://www.skyscrapers.cn/forum/attachments/00000_ex8dieZuGmp6.jpg

http://www.skyscrapers.cn/forum/attachments/00000_ex8dieZuGmp6.jpg

http://www.skyscrapers.cn/forum/attachments/0000_dIquA4ZzZpwW.jpg

http://www.skyscrapers.cn/forum/attachments/000_clsMFm6wUOop.jpg

http://www.skyscrapers.cn/forum/attachments/00_8DjU9ziAX4jt.jpg

http://www.skyscrapers.cn/forum/attachments/0_TKh5GPMEsUYW.jpg

truely an engineering masterpiece!!

[vincent]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/xix19xix/wwatercube19.jpg
"water" from the sky(cloud), and water cube on the ground. Nice shot!

[ntly1]

This is what I posted on my blog. I translated from a few Chinese newspaper -


The membrane installation of the National Aquatic Center (‘Water Cube’) is now 85% completed and is expected to be complete by the end of the year with the installation of the roof membranes.

The Chinese name for the ‘Water Cube’ is actually very interesting. It’s called 水立方, or “Where the Water Stands”. I thought that’s a very poetic name for the stadium!

The ETFE membrane is said to have the ability to “self-clean”. The surface of ETFE has anti-adhesion property that prevents dust from staying on the surface. Even when dust does get trapped, rain will be sufficient to wash the particles away. So when is human effort required for a wash? Well, when the infamous dust storm strucks!

The Water Cube will eventually have 3000 ETFE membranes of varying sizes and they function like air pillows. Are they strong enough? Well, apparently ETFE is able to withstand pressure better than other types of membrane. You can use it as trampoline! If a membrane is damaged, it will be replaced in 8 hours time. How is that possible? Well, Beijing already has facilities that manufacture this new age material! What’s more? These EFTE membranes ensure the use of sunlight as the source of ambient lighting in the stadium!

The exterior coat of the structure will be decorated with many white light spots. They are called galvanizing points. What’s their function? To regulate and enhance the luminosity, aesthetic and temperature of the stadium during the hot summer days when the Games are being played. I believe they also ensure that there’s not too much reflection and shadows into the building. It will be completed in Oct 2007.

Thank you ! xix19xix

[VVVV]

..

[xix19xix]

No problems :).

Here's something else I am pretty excited about!!!

http://bp2.blogger.com/_XLTwuCIe_Ac/RX1010MkOiI/AAAAAAAAABk/vsxho0xhL4o/s400/pandastation.jpg

http://bp1.blogger.com/_XLTwuCIe_Ac/RX1z4kMkOdI/AAAAAAAAAA8/UwP6Zr4O6NA/s400/parkstation.jpg

http://bp2.blogger.com/_XLTwuCIe_Ac/RX1z40MkOeI/AAAAAAAAABE/vEyVpe-0hwg/s400/centerstation.jpg

http://bp2.blogger.com/_XLTwuCIe_Ac/RX1z40MkOgI/AAAAAAAAABU/FERtyOphSSQ/s400/foreststation.jpg

Beijing is building a new subway line to service the Olympic Park. There are altogether 4 stations with the 4 seasons as the theme for the line! The base color of the four stations will be red/back, yellow, blue and green respectively.

The Olympic Subway Line is 4.398km long. Its theme is borrowed from the “rhythm of music”. Each station represents a fermata (rest) in a musical performance, while the tunnel between the stations represents a string of musical notes (the tunnel is decorated!). As the train moves through the four stations, the traveler will experience five different “music pieces” with each station being the end and the beginning of the next.

The “Pan-Island Panda Station” (literal translation, not official) has red and black as the main hue represent the passionate Summer; The Olympic Center Station is yellow signifying a brilliant Autumn. The Olympic Park Station is blue representing the expansive Winter; and lastly the Forest Station is green as hopeful Spring. In addition, the walls of the stations will be gray representing the continuity of the culture of Beijing.

Take the subway when you are there!!! :lol:

By the way, you should be able to see the pictures. If you can't see them, can you kindly just click and go to my blog! (http://beijing08082008.blogspot.com) :)

[vince_rilian]

thats amazing! the stations look great!


The Olympic Subway Line is 4.398km long. Its theme is borrowed from the “rhythm of music”. Each station represents a fermata (rest) in a musical performance, while the tunnel between the stations represents a string of musical notes (the tunnel is decorated!). As the train moves through the four stations, the traveler will experience five different “music pieces” with each station being the end and the beginning of the next.


maybe they're gonna play a steady note at certain points of the tube/tunnel such that when the trains pass through, the music plays! hehehe... :laugh:

[Mosaic]

love the colour scheme there!!! go Beijing.

[Peterw]

Pictures of the new subway looks nice. :)

[VVVV]

Construction of Olympic projects progresses smoothly
Updated:2006-12-07

http://images.beijing-2008.org/47/40/Img212064047.jpg
The National Aquatics Center

(BEIJING, Dec. 7) -- Continuous progress has been made in the construction of competition venues, training venues and auxiliary facilities for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, according to a regular press briefing held in Beijing on Thursday.

Wu Jingjun, chief engineer of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Project Construction Headquarters Office said safety and quality of the projects has also been stressed.

http://images.beijing-2008.org/48/40/Img212064048.jpg
Scene of the press conference
Up to now, he said, the number of Olympic venues and related projects under construction has reached 45, including 25 competition venues, 15 training venues and 5 Olympic-related projects. In addition, Fengtai Softball Field (a renovated project) and the track field of Chaoyang Sports Center (a training venue) are ready for use. Updating on the venues to be constructed from scratch, Wu said:

With the successful welding of the main steel structures on August 31, the removal of the supporting steel beams on September 17 and the hoisting work of the steel structure on November 30, the construction on the National Stadium's main structure has been fully completed. Construction of the main stadium, also called the "Bird's Nest," is shifting to the installation of membranes, fit-ups and decorations, installation of electromechanical equipment and the exterior engineering project.

-- The National Aquatics Center: The main steel structures have been completed, the installation of the membrane structure is in smooth progress, and construction on the walls and the installation of the membrane structure of the outside roof are expected to be finished by the end of this year.

-- The National Indoor Stadium: Work on the main structure and steel structure has been finished, the steel roof and exterior decoration are scheduled to be done by the end of this year.

-- Wukesong Indoor Stadium: Steel structure completed, installation of the roof and curtain walls in well underway, and the exterior decoration is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

-- China Agriculture University Gymnasium, Beijing University of Technology Gymnasium, Peking University Gymnasium and the Beijing Science and Technology University Gymnasium: Steel-reinforced concrete structure and steel structure completed, the metal roof and curtain walls under construction.

-- Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park: Excavation of the racing courses finished, the key steps shifted to the water reservation and experimentation, with other separate project under construction or decoration.

-- Beijing Shooting Range Hall: Interior decoration is being done.

-- Laoshan Velodrome: Decoration and installation of equipments underway.

-- The Olympic Green Tennis Center: Construction of concrete structure of the field is being done, and the main concrete structure is planned to be completed by the end of this year.

Turning to the projects under renovation and expansion, Wu said:

-- Fengtai Softball Field: Ready for use.

-- Workers'Stadium and Workers' Indoor Arena: Dismantlement and reinforcement work in progress.

-- Beijing Shooting Range Hall CTF: Construction on the main body, pit and range infrastructure underway.

-- The Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium, Ying Tung Natatorium and Capital Indoor Stadium: Structural reinforcement and expansion of the existing venues in progress

-- Laoshan Mountain Bike Course: Structural construction of the Complex Service Building completed.

-- Beihang University Gymnasium and Beijing Institute of Technology Gymnasium: Renovation and expansion being prepared and expected to be launched by the end of December 2006.

http://images.beijing-2008.org/52/40/Img212064052.jpg
Photographers busy shooting

On the temporary venues, the chief engineer said:

-- Fencing Hall (located inside the National Conference Center): Construction underway.

-- Beach Volleyball Ground in Caoyang Park: Basic construction finished, steel structures of the main competition ground and the warm-up ground are being installed.

-- Hockey Field in the Olympic Park: Basic construction finished, steel structures of the main competition ground being installed.

-- Shooting Range in the Olympic Park: Basic construction finished.

-- Wukesong Baseball Field: Basic earthwork completed and the steel structure of the stand being installed.

-- BMX Field, Urban Cycling Road Course and Triathlon Venue: Construction of BMX Field is planned to start by the end of this year, construction on Urban Cycling Road Course and Triathlon Venue is scheduled to start after March 2007.

Referring to the training venues, he said:

-- Track Field of Chaoyang Sports Center is ready for use while another 15 projects, including the training field in the Olympic Sports Center, the Yard of Capital Indoor Stadium and training venues at district or county levels are being renovated. There are five venues to be constructed at the end of this year and another 24 venues are scheduled to be launched in 2007.

Speaking of the Olympic-related facilities, Wu said:

-- Steel structure of the National Conference Center has been done, and construction on the secondary structure and the installation of the mechanical and electrical equipments are in full progress. Work on the roof and exterior decoration is expected to be completed by March 2007.

-- The main structure of the Digital Beijing Building has been finished, work on the initial decoration and installation of mechanical and electrical equipments is being done, the exterior decoration is to be completed by the end of this year.

-- The Olympic Village's 42 residential buildings in the four zones are in full progress, with the construction of the concrete structure being scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, and followed by decoration.

-- The over-ground structure of the 16 apartment buildings of the Media Village is well underway.

-- The excavation of the lake and the mound work of the Olympic Green have been finished and the re-plantation and water system are underway.

Wu said there are 62 roads and 4 bridges to be constructed around Olympic venues. As of today, 51 roads and 3 bridges are under construction, among which 20 roads and 2 bridges are open to traffic already. Construction of two more roads and one bridge is scheduled to be launched by the end of this year and another 9 roads in 2007.

Wu said the year of 2006 saw many technological problems solved at the sites of Olympic projects, and the three Olympic concepts, namely Green Olympics, People's Olympics and High-tech Olympics carried out. The engineers, technicians and workers put forward numerous innovative proposals to save land, energy, water and materials. What was done in 2006 laid a sound foundation for 2007 when all the Olympic projects will be completed.

source: click my signature.:lol:

[Peterw]

That's a really nice list. Are there any pictures off the metrolines material?

[hkskyline]

Beijing to continue renovating scenic parks for 2008 Olympics
4 December 2006
China Daily

Beijing will earmark 148 million yuan (18.9 million US dollars) next year to renovate ancient buildings in scenic parks as part of its efforts to prepare for the 2008 Olympics in this Chinese capital.

The maintenance work will be carried out in 11 parks, including the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, two UNESCO World Heritage sites, according to Liu Ying, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Administration Center of Parks.

The renovation includes repair of floor, renewal of colored drawings, and improvements on lightning strike and fire prevention facilities, Liu said.

Repair work on the Summer Palace buildings will begin next March and be completed prior to October 1 next year, the beginning of annual weeklong National Day holidays for Chinese during which parks see a booming tourism across the country, according to Liu.

Beijing has more than 160 registered parks, some of them on the UNESCO Heritage list boasting well-preserved buildings dating back to hundreds to thousands of years ago. They are main attractions for tourists to Beijing.

To better serve the 2008 Olympic Games, the city has invested about 300 million yuan (38.4 million US dollars) in maintenance work on its cultural heritage spots, according to the city's cultural heritage administration sources.

Maintenance work on the Great Wall, the Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), and the Beijing Man Site in Zhoukoudian are underway.

Renovation work on the Buddhist Incense Tower at the Summer Palace, the Hall of Prayers for Good Harvest at the Temple of Heaven, and the Qiongdao Island in the Beihai Park, has been completed this year with a cost of 140 million yuan (17.7 million US dollars).

[pandascn]

http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2006-12-26/U1540P6T12D2661882F44DT20061226154204.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2006-12-26/U1540P6T12D2661879F44DT20061226153950.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2006-12-26/U1540P6T12D2661877F44DT20061226153806.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2006-12-26/U1540P6T12D2661875F44DT20061226153636.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2006-12-26/U1540P6T12D2661872F44DT20061226153041.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2006-12-26/U1540P6T12D2661870F44DT20061226152924.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2006-12-26/U397P6T12D2661878F44DT20061226153911.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/s/p/2006-12-26/U397P6T12D2661868F44DT20061226152550.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2006-12-26/U397P6T12D2661881F44DT20061226154119.jpg

[pandascn]

http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2006-12-26/U1540P6T12D2661722F44DT20061226134034.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2006-12-22/U1166P6T12D2656728F44DT20061222202342.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2006-12-22/U1166P6T12D2656730F44DT20061222202604.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2006-12-08/U773P6T12D2620300F44DT20061208030643.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2006-12-08/U773P6T12D2620297F44DT20061208030439.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/s/p/2006-12-07/U397P6T12D2618811F44DT20061207155414.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/s/p/2006-12-07/U397P6T12D2618809F44DT20061207155304.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2006-11-05/U1165P6T12D2548412F44DT20061105184322.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2006-11-05/U1165P6T12D2548411F44DT20061105183836.jpg

[Qtya]

Stunning... :eek2:

[eddyk]

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72770683.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193CC300C081D9F47007A745775493B54E98B2E33FECC3827F3
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72690081.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193CC300C081D9F4700152AD89B66FABE65DA792E20B644D645
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72876185.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193CC300C081D9F4700CA9C8C6FDD207717C6243FE7445B17B2

[Bandit]

That last picture of the Water Cube... absolutely amazing! Can't wait to see it lit up at night.

And there were people here that said it looks ugly?

[Daireon]

^^ :omg: , for me that building is synonym of beauty and perfection :)

[Farmer77]

Absolutely awesome photos. I am committed to be at the 2008 Olympics.

[Burj Duboy]

The water cube looks like a mattress to me.

[Majevčan]

Is that smog in the air:? (on that last pic)

[Amo urbem]

I'm afraid it is...

[Sera]

^^I like the Popping Bubbles from the "Watercube"...
For me the Olympic Stadium (aka Bird's Nest) is the Masterpiece :)

[shawarma]

the soap-bubbles cube is just...

WOW WOW WOW AND WOW!!!

[Benmc]

When are the buildings are lit up, it shall be the most awesome sight in the world! :banana:

[M.Schwerdtner]

amazing ....

[Sera]

When are the buildings are lit up, it shall be the most awesome sight in the world! :banana:

Hopefully, I can go to Beijing in 2008 - If just for the Olympic Venues:)

[yfh1983]

any updates?

[Brendan]

This is going to be much better than Athens IMO.

[chompo44]

When are the buildings are lit up, it shall be the most awesome sight in the world! :banana:

i agree, this is going to look amazing, these air pillows are just great, we have them in the eden project in England, and also over part of my station in manchester. there was a bit of sceptisism over the strenghth of these new fangled bubbles, so they riggerd one up and put a car on it. it held it just fine.

This is by far my favourite building of the year, the engineers computer model must be so bloody complicated..............well done china, puts our schemes for the olympics to shame.

[wajz]

The main stadium and the aqua cube next to it will be the 8th wonder of the world. Not since the Sydney Opera House has the world seen more daring, original and unique architecture.

[Huppoe]

The money and resources China has for building everything they build have got to be astronomical. The skyline of Shanghai says it all: China will be the economic winner in the future.

[supermarioo85]

¡¡Just awsome!!

I went last year to beijing but wasn't able to visit the olympic venue. This year im going again, in april, and I pray i can enter at least the water cube, it has to be awsome!!!

Do you think i'll be able to enter some of the buildings by easter time? Thanks!

[Sera]

The main stadium and the aqua cube next to it will be the 8th wonder of the world. Not since the Sydney Opera House has the world seen more daring, original and unique architecture.

For me the Bird's Nest is the most unique stadium ever:banana:

[Nivek]

any pic please?...

[cyberjaya]

As part of the 2008 Beijing Olympic projects, Tianjin Olympic Center stadium was started building on Aug 28 2003. The shape of the statdium is like a drop of water and it's located in the center of four artificial lakes so it's called the "Water drop".

The whole "water drop" project will be finished by mid March.

Renderings
http://pic.enorth.com.cn/0/01/56/09/1560946_136542.jpg

http://pic.enorth.com.cn/0/01/56/09/1560947_907364.jpg

Jan 26 2007

http://image2.sina.com.cn/dy/c/p/2007-01-26/U1043P1T1D12148133F21DT20070126112340.jpg http://image2.sina.com.cn/dy/c/p/2007-01-26/U1043P1T1D12148133F1394DT20070126112340.jpg

http://image2.sina.com.cn/dy/c/p/2007-01-26/U1043P1T1D12148133F23DT20070126112340.jpg http://image2.sina.com.cn/dy/c/p/2007-01-26/U1043P1T1D12148133F1395DT20070126112340.jpg

[cyberjaya]

from skyscraper.cn

Convention Center
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/153/356959130_92b2d699f5_o.jpg

Bird Nest
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/356980895_46a5b24eda_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/147/356980901_1373673210_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/149/356980903_2dcfa66b35_o.jpg

Athlete apartment?
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/131/357001864_fde4ed9f28_o.jpg

Water cube (back light)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/142/357116876_111edc4ed8_o.jpg

[DocShergar]

what will the waterdrop be used for?

[cyberjaya]

what will the waterdrop be used for?

water polo.

haha I mean soccer games. Have a nice weekend!

[UD2]

wow... never thought I'd actually see the day that the bird's nest is built...

personally I find it ugly... very clever design though.

they wantted to build something that people will talk about ages past... people will sure talk about this...

[YelloPerilo]

from skyscraper.cn

Bird Nest
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/356980895_46a5b24eda_o.jpg


Wow, what a beautifull baby! :cheers:

[Al&G]

Yeeee this is realy gooood !!!

[duskdawn]

I like her curve! Sexy!

[billyandmandy]

so amazing... the stadium should get a gold medal :)

[BlackSmith!]

^^
10-4 on that billyandmandy it looks nice from distance. Workers are like ants on that steel beams. Its a one huge structure. Anyone knows how many seats it has?

[InfoAddict]

80,000 permanent seats plus 11,000 temparory.

[SkyLerm]

OMG brilliant!!

[DocShergar]

I think i actually prefer the Waterdrop.

[Sera]

80,000 permanent seats plus 11,000 temparory.

it would have been more magnificent if the sliding roof was installed like originally planned:banana:

[koogle]

wow, both the Beijing and Tianjin stadiums look AWESOME!!! ;)

[JOVIMECA]

amazing china!

[InfoAddict]

it would have been more magnificent if the sliding roof was installed like originally planned:banana:

Yeah, absolutely. It would have 20,000 temparory seats according to the original plan, and the seat amount reaches 100,000.

[connected_]

Next to the Allianz Arena in Munich, the Beijing National Stadium is my favourite in the world. Best Olympic Park design ever!!

http://www.bjghw.gov.cn/forNationalStadium/b11/xiaoguo/301.jpg
http://www.bjghw.gov.cn/forNationalStadium/b11/xiaoguo/303.jpg
http://www.tropolism.com/watercube_027_m.jpg

[ncon]

looks exactly the same :D

i like this stadium :okay:

http://www.bjghw.gov.cn/forNationalStadium/b11/xiaoguo/303.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/356980895_46a5b24eda_o.jpg

[z0rg]

Hello, I have a question. Are these two stiadums cancelled?

1: I think it's for boxing?
http://img66.exs.cx/img66/8871/beijingnationalstadium18ib.jpg

2: Basket. A huge cube whose 4 walls are covered with huge TV screens:
http://www.strategy4china.com/images/swissWKS11.jpg
http://www.strategy4china.com/images/WKSimage008.jpg

[Jose Luis]

Its simply the most amazing structure ever built in my humble opinion, it thrills me, just imagine how incredible is gonna look when finished. i just cant be patient enough.

[Sparks]

Are the concourses completely exposed? If it's raining and windy people are going to get very wet.

[InfoAddict]

Hello, I have a question. Are these two stiadums cancelled?

1: I think it's for boxing?
http://img66.exs.cx/img66/8871/beijingnationalstadium18ib.jpg



It is National Indoor Stadium, it's just a proposal, the final one is as below.

http://images.beijing-2008.org/02/28/Img211992802.jpg

http://images.beijing-2008.org/00/28/Img211992800.jpg

http://images.beijing-2008.org/01/28/Img211992801.jpg

For more information, click here (http://en.beijing2008.cn/70/79/article211987970.shtml)
However, I dislike it, it's way too old fashion.


2: Basket. A huge cube whose 4 walls are covered with huge TV screens:
http://www.strategy4china.com/images/swissWKS11.jpg

The huge screens were cancelled, coz the cost ridiculously high.

http://images.beijing-2008.org/59/78/Img211667859.jpg

http://images.beijing-2008.org/57/78/Img211667857.jpg

http://images.beijing-2008.org/58/78/Img211667858.jpg

Sorry, no details info in english, click here (http://www.beijing2008.cn/69/72/article211987269.shtml) for chinese version.

[z0rg]

^^ Double pity, I loved the two designs I posted very, very much. Thanks for the info :)

[cyberjaya]

photo by SHBEAR

Bird nest
http://bbs.cps365.com/attachments/month_0701/1_TGxM404r0B7H.jpg

water cube
http://bbs.cps365.com/attachments/month_0701/2_7YNw49jmD6Yk.jpg

national gym
http://bbs.cps365.com/attachments/month_0701/1_Z6M5jg7tSiYZ.jpg

Beijing Digital - 2008 IOC building
http://bbs.cps365.com/attachments/month_0701/2_nFYeGKN2l6rO.jpg

Bird nest from another angel
http://bbs.cps365.com/attachments/month_0701/1_Xl6qrMLNjiyW.jpg

inside water cube
http://bbs.cps365.com/attachments/month_0701/2_3Dj7NlcJvpwm.jpg

swimming pool
http://bbs.cps365.com/attachments/month_0701/1_Zh3Hyqnekfca.jpg

diving pool
http://bbs.cps365.com/attachments/month_0701/1_0jxjOuGXEQK4.jpg

back area
http://bbs.cps365.com/attachments/month_0701/1_Avh9dZazZ2z1.jpg

water cube in sunshine
http://bbs.cps365.com/attachments/month_0701/1_NLLGVZxRNlpv.jpg

[Nivek]

Awesome images man....the watercube is really a stunner now...

[bluga]

cool

[royv]

Hello there,

I'm looking for some more information and photo's of the Peking university gymnasium, the Table tennis venue for Beijing 2008. Any photo's would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks a lot!

Cheers,
Royv

[six453]

does anyone have a link to the discovery channel 'man made marvels - beijing makeover' video whihc can be viewed on the net?
they featured the olympic venues among other highlight projects...
thank you.

[Jose Luis]

does anyone have a link to the discovery channel 'man made marvels - beijing makeover' video whihc can be viewed on the net?
they featured the olympic venues among other highlight projects...
thank you.

i¿d love to see that too

[oz.fil]

ahhh beijing... i wonder how long the government will take to pay off all the costs.. ... just amazing =D

[UD2]

it isn't the local government that's paying for these

[cyberjaya]

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/543/025b0a7e8151434pq0.jpg

[z0rg]

^^ Hahahahahah, well, they should have picked the World Trade Center phase 3 to make the bottle :D

[Sera]

Hello, I have a question. Are these two stiadums cancelled?

1: I think it's for boxing?
http://img66.exs.cx/img66/8871/beijingnationalstadium18ib.jpg

2: Basket. A huge cube whose 4 walls are covered with huge TV screens:
http://www.strategy4china.com/images/swissWKS11.jpg
http://www.strategy4china.com/images/WKSimage008.jpg

I really liked the concept of the Basketball Stadium...It was a pity because the IOC itself advised the Beijing Olympic Body to slash it's construction costs for the olympics:ohno:

[zerokarma]

Good update, everything is definately looking interesting

[Andrew]

Overall, I'm absolutely amazed by the designs for the 2008 Olympics, some real beauties there.

However, I am worried about one thing, look at the pictures below ...

http://www.tropolism.com/watercube_027_m.jpg

http://www.bjghw.gov.cn/forNationalStadium/b11/xiaoguo/301.jpg

... the public spaces around the buildings are so huge, they are absolutely vast expanses of paving. I understand that the Olympic park has to be designed to take massive crowds of people, however, I worry that such massive spaces that appear to have very little shade are going to be absolutely unbearable in Beijing's summer heat. The spaces will no doubt be monumental and very impressive but I worry about their practicality in Beijing's climate.

[duskdawn]

^^ Your concern is very reasonable, Andrew.
I guess we have no choice then. Thank god, Aug. 8th is not as hot as end of July in Beijing. It is getting breeze. LOL.

[zergcerebrates]

WOW Amazing projects! The water cube seems to look better than expected, I kinda wanna go near and pop it. HEHE....

Does anybody have bigger renders of those 4 beijing stations. Have they started building it?

[raymond_tung88]

... the public spaces around the buildings are so huge, they are absolutely vast expanses of paving. I understand that the Olympic park has to be designed to take massive crowds of people, however, I worry that such massive spaces that appear to have very little shade are going to be absolutely unbearable in Beijing's summer heat. The spaces will no doubt be monumental and very impressive but I worry about their practicality in Beijing's climate.

I don't think those renders take into the consideration the landscaping. I've seen a landscape architecture plan for the Olympic site and its covered with trees and everything...

I found this at the official Olympics website...
http://images.beijing-2008.org/76/74/Img211987476.jpg

[pandascn]

Olympic village apartments for athletes

http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2007-03-02/U1941P6T12D2776596F44DT20070302122144.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2007-03-02/U1941P6T12D2776595F44DT20070302122013.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2007-03-02/U1941P6T12D2776584F44DT20070302121734.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2007-03-02/U1941P6T12D2776577F44DT20070302121629.jpg

http://photocdn.sohu.com/20070301/Img248448447.jpg
http://photocdn.sohu.com/20070301/Img248447957.jpg
http://photocdn.sohu.com/20070301/Img248447956.jpg
http://photocdn.sohu.com/20070301/Img248446837.jpg
http://photocdn.sohu.com/20070301/Img248446831.jpg

[connected_]

Wow! That Olympic Village is much better than the ones Sydney had! :lol:

[James R. Hawkwood]

Hmmmmm i see a lot off progress going on in Bejing.
I like the timing because in July, There is a solar eclipse in centrel Siberia at the city off Novosibirsk. Through the city runs the Trans siberian express and that stretches all the way too... Bejing!! So i have a nice holiday then!!
First a nice tour at Moscow. After that going through Russia towards an eclipse in Novosibirsk in late July and the going for the games in Bejing !!!!!!! :) :)

:tiasd:

[redstone]

What material are the 'bubbles' of the water cube made of?

[Ginza]

great

[Nongkhai_tong]

Thank you for update

[Bandit]

I wonder what those apartments are going to look like after the Olympics.

[Nongkhai_tong]

^^ I think they already has a future plan for those apartment

[UD2]

I think the apartments are going to be sold as condos.

[Bandit]

^^ I think they already has a future plan for those apartment

Actually I was talking about what those apartments would look like right after the Olympics when the athletes leave. Back during the Seoul Olympics, some of the apartments were trashed by the athletes. Certain countries' athletes were quite disrespectful and some even went into crime sprees after their events were over. One case had a group of athletes try to steal historic artworks but since it was the Olympics, they weren't arrested but just sent immediately home.

Just curious about how these athletes would conduct themselves in Beijing. On one hand you'd think they would be careful since harsher penalties are given in China especially when something like stealing national antiquities is a crime punishable by death. But then some might take advantage simply because all the world is watching.

I watched on TV last night, the actress, Mia Farrow make veiled threats about the 2008 Olympics because it was in China. She may have talking about boycott, but unlikely anything like that will happen. So I'd say it's about ruining the Olympics. So if there's actually a disruption in the Olympic games, it might create an unfriendly atmosphere open to criminal activities.

Since the Olympics were originally designed to keep out politics, it's going to be interesting to see what happens.

[Anna Maria]

...the actress, Mia Farrow make veiled threats about the 2008 Olympics because it was in China.
Not only Mia Farrow, and not because "it was in China".
There is an increasing worldwide pressure on China due to the new "China's Africa policy" including China's support for African regimes supplying China with oil, in this case Sudan.
Mia Farrow is an UN/UNICEF Goodwill ambassador btw, so no private person more.

A typical letter to "Darfur Activists" here:
http://platform.blogs.com/passionofthepresent/2007/02/on_china_and_th.html

IMO, China must not get dirty oil at all costs, otherwise it will earn worldwide hate, like USA in Mideast now.

[Bandit]

Not only Mia Farrow, and not because "it was in China".
There is an increasing worldwide pressure on China due to the new "China's Africa policy" including China's support for African regimes supplying China with oil, in this case Sudan.
Mia Farrow is an UN/UNICEF Goodwill ambassador btw, so no private person more.

A typical letter to "Darfur Activists" here:
http://platform.blogs.com/passionofthepresent/2007/02/on_china_and_th.html

IMO, China must not get dirty oil at all costs, otherwise it will earn worldwide hate, like USA in Mideast now.


Who's not dirty? You know how many despicable regimes the US and the West supports? You know how many massacres have taken place in the world without any attention? China is actually following a strict policy of non-interference of another country's domestic affairs. It maybe unethical but the West is certainly not one to judge. It would be hypocritical for China to follow a policy on another country to which the US wishes to force onto China itself. The US and it allies ignored the UN on Iraq. Now why all the sudden the UN, because of China, has the US's hands tied?

So why do Japan and India get to make oil and gas deals with Iran while when China makes them, it's supporting rogue nations that violate international norms?

The only ones that are going to hate China are the ones that already do. Just another excuse. The Arabs nations are actively protecting Sudan. So who's going to hate China? The West who supports other human rights violating countries that don't get any attention? How about 340 million people who live under the very definition of slavery living in a democracy who get ignored? They get raped and murdered too with no attention at all because this country is in the West's favor.

Besides what Mia Farrow wants is to force China to do her dirty work. If it weren't dirty, why doesn't the US act unilaterally? In fact it's because people like her do want China take the heat from the other side of this issue to which why the West doesn't do anything itself for fear of the consequences like harming relations with oil rich nations that do actively protect Sudan. Interesting how there's no pressure by American celebrities on those countries. Why don't the West boycott their oil if they don't do anything about Darfur? Because Western self-interest and need for oil prevents them from acting. Funny isn't that what's being accuse of China?

[Anna Maria]

To Bandit:
"Who's not dirty?"
I'm not, and a lot of my Chinese friends also also aren't. You should better defend good people and good ideas than bad ones.

[Bandit]

By your definition you are dirty because you defend hypocritical policies where others whose human right violations are being ignored. True humanitarian and compassionate people aren't selective about who gets help especially in light that there are far worse violation out there that the West pays no attention to.

I'd like to know what are the standards that you go by on what issues are more important since it isn't obviously the worse one first. I'd like to know rules that ranks what inhumanity is more important.

Really, I'd like to know what are rules of what inhumanity gets more attention. Because so far I only see that you proclaim it and therefore it is so and no one's suppose to question it like you were a god.

[Anna Maria]

To Bandit:

You can talk endless and you can fabricate stories wery well, so try to run for a president. The world needs "Bandits" like you!

[Bandit]

Your hypocrisy shows your humanitarian policies true face. Why not answer the questions? Why did you ignore Rwanda? Did China prevent you from being a hero there too. Maybe I made up Rwanda too.

You don't think 340 million people living as literal slaves is worse. I saw that in an article in Businessweek. Maybe a celebrity has to adopt the cause in order for it to be legit.

[Sexas]

stop this or this wonderful thread will get lock-down! bring it to sky-bar

[cyberjaya]

To Bandit:
"Who's not dirty?"
I'm not, and a lot of my Chinese friends also also aren't. You should better defend good people and good ideas than bad ones.

to Anna Maria,

we all know you are not dirty but I think Bandit is talking some national politics. As for politics, interest is the only thing they are chasing for so I don't think there's any different between China's govt and other governments.

conclusion: they are equally "dirty" :)

[cyberjaya]

stop this or this wonderful thread will get lock-down! bring it to sky-bar

sorry I'll stop here.^^

[Sera]

Olympic village apartments for athletes

http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2007-03-02/U1941P6T12D2776596F44DT20070302122144.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2007-03-02/U1941P6T12D2776595F44DT20070302122013.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2007-03-02/U1941P6T12D2776584F44DT20070302121734.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/o/p/2007-03-02/U1941P6T12D2776577F44DT20070302121629.jpg

http://photocdn.sohu.com/20070301/Img248448447.jpg
http://photocdn.sohu.com/20070301/Img248447957.jpg
http://photocdn.sohu.com/20070301/Img248447956.jpg
http://photocdn.sohu.com/20070301/Img248446837.jpg
http://photocdn.sohu.com/20070301/Img248446831.jpg

I like the architecture of the interiors...it's modern, cozy and of course has a touch of Oriental culture :banana:

[grijix]

Real nice the places they can build under a dictatorship, anyway is not the first time and won't be the last, Undoubtedly it will be an expression of grandeur, sure, they'll do it just fine .....

[Mplsuptown]

A little less political bashing and more supportive Olympic spirit would make for a far better thread.

[Sera]

Honestly, China has a Dictatorship that openly admitted that it will eventually transition to be Democratic. That means that it would slowly transfer its form of Gov't accdg. to its own time frame. Believe me a civilization as old as China is just returning to the top after decades of sleeping.

This Olympics is symbolic not only for China but for the World itself, so please support it :banana:

[Adams3]

Honestly, China has a Dictatorship that openly admitted that it will eventually transition to be Democratic. That means that it would slowly transfer its form of Gov't accdg. to its own time frame. Believe me a civilization as old as China is just returning to the top after decades of sleeping.

This Olympics is symbolic not only for China but for the World itself, so please support it :banana:

We support it! IMO most people in the western world are very fascinated about China and Chinese culture, and Chinese people are respected world-wide for their discipline, hard work and friendliness. It will be a great olympics I'm sure! :)

[gaoanyu]

^^Really glad about what you guys have to say.

[zergcerebrates]

Real nice the places they can build under a dictatorship, anyway is not the first time and won't be the last, Undoubtedly it will be an expression of grandeur, sure, they'll do it just fine .....

What the frack is wrong with you people! Whats with the constant displeasure with the Chinese government? Has anybody actually realize that the Chinese government isn't run by a dictator? The Chinese president doesn't get all the power and things do have to get approved by other party members. Since the founding of Communist China Hu Jintao is the 4th president now tell me exactly how is he a dictator?

Why don't you visit China and see what other "nice" things they've built, you seem to be living in a well too long.

[zergcerebrates]

Lets hope certain athletes don't trash this beautiful compound. They need to be severely punished for the world to see so future vandalism won't happen for the next host city. China should careless of what nationality those athletes are and punish them according to Chinese law. If its imprisonment so be it. The world might be watching but China is running the 2008 show.

[Mr. Fusion]

What the frack is wrong with you people!
Do not dignify that rubbish above with a response. The trolls know who they are, if ignored they go away. :sly:

Please stick to talking about buildings, not people. :hug:

[royv]

Hello there,

I'm looking for some more information and photo's of the Peking university gymnasium, the Table tennis venue for Beijing 2008. Any photo's would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks a lot!

Cheers,
Royv

[Sexas]

update please!!

[y3miii]

Ping Pong Stadium - Peking University

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/billylee80/Img211987545.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/billylee80/IMG_3040a.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/billylee80/IMG_3041a.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/billylee80/IMG_3043a.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/billylee80/IMG_3050a.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/billylee80/IMG_3051a.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/billylee80/IMG_3053a.jpg

[Sera]

^^Wonderful roof :banana:

[Northern Lotus]

Great roof lines.
It has some Chinese architecture vocabulary and yet it is mordern.

[Siopao]

Sleeky chinese architecture - that wouldve look great in a skyscraper design , wouldn't it?

[hkskyline]

Sleeky chinese architecture - that wouldve look great in a skyscraper design , wouldn't it?

Actually, a number of midrises to highrises in Beijing have some Chinese ornaments in the design, especially the rooftops, while the bottom parts are more generic international designs.

[royv]

Ping Pong Stadium - Peking University

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/billylee80/Img211987545.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/billylee80/IMG_3040a.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/billylee80/IMG_3041a.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/billylee80/IMG_3043a.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/billylee80/IMG_3050a.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/billylee80/IMG_3051a.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/billylee80/IMG_3053a.jpg

Thanks a lot! Awesome pictures :okay:

[benedetton_alexandra]

Real nice the places they can build under a dictatorship, anyway is not the first time and won't be the last, Undoubtedly it will be an expression of grandeur, sure, they'll do it just fine .....

looks like your country need to start changing govts then buddy.

of course it's not the first time. first time could be 2000BC, but i am sure your country didn't exist then....

funneh how some places without a dictatorship can actually have some nice buildings...

[williamhou2005]

i have just applied to volunteer for the Olympics!

[xAKxRUSx]

The stadiums are great!

[Skyman]

Construction goes fast

[AM Putra]

Ping Pong's roof yet very funny roof. Love it. I wonder the sphere is a skylight?

[Sera]

i have just applied to volunteer for the Olympics!

I also want to apply as a volunteer for the Beijing olympics:)

[AragornSirius]

Hi! does anybody have some pictures of the chairs that´re going to be installed in the Olympic Stadium? because they are the same type we are going to use for the Copa America here in Venezuela!

[tamperisma]

For the Beijing Olympics there is a huge plan to educate Beijingers to do things properly. Some of these are to curb spitting and get people to wait in line.

Quite a number of Chinese are into the regular habit of spitting.
Shanghai recently devised this idea to combat spitting.

http://www.figure-ground.com/travel/shanghai_yanan/0002.jpg

http://au.news.yahoo.com/070122/15/p/125w3.html

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Taxi drivers in China's financial capital of Shanghai are to be issued with "spit sacks" to curb their habit of rolling down their windows and hawking into the road, state media reported on Tuesday.

Phlegmatic cabbies will soon have a sack fixed to the metal grill that surrounds the driver's seat, so that both they and their passengers can make use of it.


The spittoons, however, were not a success. Residents mistook them for ashtrays.

Organisers of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, worried about the reaction of visitors, have repeatedly said the capital needs to teach its people to stand in line, stop spitting and littering and generally be better mannered.

[oz.fil]

yeah my teacher went to china, namely shanghai, and she was disgusted at the amount of spitting done in public

[MasonicStage™]

^^ really? That's not a compliment for China! :ohno:

[duskdawn]

^^ Yes this is a problem. But how could you expect a 1.3 billion pop country become top notch advanced in all aspects so fast. Those same people were still living in poverty 20 years ago.
Give us 20 yrs we will surely improve that. :)

[xiaoluis]

Updates???? nothing??

[Northern Lotus]

yeah my teacher went to china, namely shanghai, and she was disgusted at the amount of spitting done in public

Well, when I visited China the first time in 1979, there were spittoons along the sidewalks in Beijing. Just imagine the poor guy who had to clean it. Thank goodness they are gone and the government is encouraging people to stop spitting.

[adeperdana05]

anyone have newest SHENYANG Stadium?

[Tarzan]

The whole olyimpic park is amazing!

[Jose Luis]

no pictures?

[jhae]

wahhh. i didnt know that the holes of the stadium will be covered with ETFE same as the wats on the water cube...

some facts i found in WIKI... hmmm any updates guys??

" Just as birds stuff the spaces between the woven twigs of their nests with a soft filler, the spaces in the structure of the stadium will be filled with inflated ETFE cushions. Originally, on the roof, the cushions were to be mounted on the outside of the structure to make the roof completely weatherproof, but the roof has been omitted from the design in 2004." from wikipedia...


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beijing_National_Stadium

[www.sercan.de]

^^^
and like Allianz Arena

[Jim856796]

I don't know whether the Olympic Green Tennis Centre is a temporary or permanent venue.

[Jim856796]

Breaking news: The Peking University Gymnasium (the table tennis venue) caught fire yesterday morning.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q171/patarapong/1.jpg

[CarlosBlueDragon]

Breaking news: The Peking University Gymnasium (the table tennis venue) caught fire yesterday morning.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q171/patarapong/1.jpg

what happen and wrong??

[Maxxclip]

I hope a new venue will be available for the event...

[Paraguayo84]

where can i find more pics about the olympic games in pekin 2008

[bonivison]

where can i find more pics about the olympic games in pekin 2008
here!
http://www.beijing2008.cn/cptvenues/

[SoHype!]

photo by SHBEAR

inside water cube
http://bbs.cps365.com/attachments/month_0701/2_3Dj7NlcJvpwm.jpg

swimming pool
http://bbs.cps365.com/attachments/month_0701/1_Zh3Hyqnekfca.jpg

diving pool
http://bbs.cps365.com/attachments/month_0701/1_0jxjOuGXEQK4.jpg

back area
http://bbs.cps365.com/attachments/month_0701/1_Avh9dZazZ2z1.jpg

water cube in sunshine
http://bbs.cps365.com/attachments/month_0701/1_NLLGVZxRNlpv.jpg

DAMN!! when i was just thinking in the awesome outside design this pics show me hos impresive is inside!! is hard to believe what China is doing for summer games, and harder more believe that it's almost everything done!

[Bandit]

Just to let you know for those that are able get NBC's Today Show from the US, on Aug. 8, they will be airing a report on the 2008 Beijing Olympics one year before. I don't know if it's a series of reports.

[Jim856796]

I've seen reports that some of the Olympic sports venues may have finished construction. Which of the Olympic venues have been completed?

[Jose Luis]

Pictures anyone?

[Wendy is here!]

Does anyone else think that London can't possibly compete with Beijing?

[zee]

^^ lol i agree..and im english

[Arkdriver]

for me the idea of building a stadium designed like a bird's nest and a swimming and diving complex that takes a shape like hundreds of small bubble is so original and cannot be copied anywhere else. it's amazing.

London Olympic Complex may not be physically impressive like Beijing but i'm sure London won let Beijing go away with the best organizer's title. We have yet to see how the Chinese will handle the Olympics.

[Wendy is here!]

for me the idea of building a stadium designed like a bird's nest and a swimming and diving complex that takes a shape like hundreds of small bubble is so original and cannot be copied anywhere else. it's amazing..

I think this is where Beijing have scored big time here. They've created not One, BUT Two!! iconic buildings. The juxtaposition of the two on the same site is just genius!

London Olympic Complex may not be physically impressive like Beijing but i'm sure London won let Beijing go away with the best organizer's title. We have yet to see how the Chinese will handle the Olympics.

Agreed, the London stadium design, whilst contemporary just doesn't capture the imagination and the same interest as when I first saw the conceptual renders of the 'birds nest'. The same goes for the London aquatics complex. I'm a fan of Zaha Hadid, in fact she's probably my favourite architect at the moment, but i'm having some trouble remembering the building. The same goes for the Olympic stadium. Memory is important, especially when it comes to the Olympics.

Whilst i'm convinced the Hadid aquatic centre will be 'world class' architecturally, it still doesn't attain the Iconic status, that little bit more that differentiates the good with the Best, as I believe both the Beijing stadium and aquatic centre have.

[Jim856796]

How's the progress on the Olympic Village?

[paradyto]

:okay:

[Sera]

I think this is where Beijing have scored big time here. They've created not One, BUT Two!! iconic buildings. The juxtaposition of the two on the same site is just genius!



Agreed, the London stadium design, whilst contemporary just doesn't capture the imagination and the same interest as when I first saw the conceptual renders of the 'birds nest'. The same goes for the London aquatics complex. I'm a fan of Zaha Hadid, in fact she's probably my favourite architect at the moment, but i'm having some trouble remembering the building. The same goes for the Olympic stadium. Memory is important, especially when it comes to the Olympics.

Whilst i'm convinced the Hadid aquatic centre will be 'world class' architecturally, it still doesn't attain the Iconic status, that little bit more that differentiates the good with the Best, as I believe both the Beijing stadium and aquatic centre have.

Yes they created two remarkable Buildings that are not only "Iconic" but they "Complement" each other creating a Building Tandem that will be remembered for many years to come.:)

[Bandit]

Does anyone else think that London can't possibly compete with Beijing?

Depends. If you're talking just venues, then Beijing most likely beats London. But if you're talking the Olympic experience in general, Beijing more likely will have foreigners attempting to ruin the Olympics with protests. The only political actions London has to worry about will be terrorism. You're not going to see the Chinese involved in terrorist attacks during the London games. But what are the chances you'll see British and Western citizens involved in trying to ruin the 2008 Olympics? Pretty good!

[DarJoLe]

Does anyone else think that London can't possibly compete with Beijing?

London isn't even going to try and compete to 'top' the Beijing games; they will be in another league and LOCOG would be crazy to even try.

Where London's Games will be more successful over Beijing's is the regeneration legacy and demonstrate how a mix of temporary and permanent venues, built with the legacy first and 'Games time' second, will set a new marker on how smaller countries and cities can afford to host a games.

This, coupled with the London's games ideology of 'youth' first, will secure the future of the Olympic movement for the next generation.

[Sexas]

London isn't even going to try and compete to 'top' the Beijing games; they will be in another league and LOCOG would be crazy to even try.

Where London's Games will be more successful over Beijing's is the regeneration legacy and demonstrate how a mix of temporary and permanent venues, built with the legacy first and 'Games time' second, will set a new marker on how smaller countries and cities can afford to host a games.

This, coupled with the London's games ideology of 'youth' first, will secure the future of the Olympic movement for the next generation.

Sounds good with only London isn't "small" and UK isn't a small country.

[JOVIMECA]

updates?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v178/JOVIMECARCH/firmauniversal.jpg

[Wendy is here!]

London isn't even going to try and compete to 'top' the Beijing games; they will be in another league and LOCOG would be crazy to even try.
Where London's Games will be more successful over Beijing's is the regeneration legacy and demonstrate how a mix of temporary and permanent venues, built with the legacy first and 'Games time' second, will set a new marker on how smaller countries and cities can afford to host a games..

I kind of agree with you here, in that the aims or goals are not the same. London could not attempt to compete with Beijing in terms of sheer scale and spectacle. London's goal is more concerned or should be concerned with sustainability.

Whereas Beijing is in need of these modern facilities due to it's rapidly expanding and increasingly 'wealthy' (economically & socially) population; London already has some of this infrastructure in place (e.g. The Dome, Wembley etc.) and in terms of population and 'population development', I think it's fairly static.


This, coupled with the London's games ideology of 'youth' first, will secure the future of the Olympic movement for the next generation

I don't see any evidence of this, unless you are talking about the logo....:lol:

[DarJoLe]

I don't see any evidence of this, unless you are talking about the logo....:lol:

"A Games that will inspire the next generation" has run throughout the entire bid process and was a crucial factor in winning the Games over the other bidding cities.

Sounds good with only London isn't "small" and UK isn't a small country.

But it isn't spending a lot of money on its Olympics compared to Beijing, most people in the UK feel their money should be better spent; which is why LOCOG are trying to pioneer the idea of temporary venues, as well as building in the permanent venues legacy first, so they don't become white elephants.

As a previous poster said, London doesn't need Olympic venues, but is trying to be the first city to prove that a good Olympics doesn't necessarily require flashy expensive venues that might be underused after the Games are over.

[Wendy is here!]

"A Games that will inspire the next generation" has run throughout the entire bid process and was a crucial factor in winning the Games over the other bidding cities..

I'm from and also live in the UK - That's the first i've heard of this! I would never have got that message from the little marketing LOCOG have done. IMHO the promotion of the Olympic has been pretty poor.

But it isn't spending a lot of money on its Olympics compared to Beijing, most people in the UK feel their money should be better spent; which is why LOCOG are trying to pioneer the idea of temporary venues, as well as building in the permanent venues legacy first, so they don't become white elephants.

I have heard otherwise... I'm sure a member of the LOCOG has mentioned that they are spending the same amount as Beijing. I'll try and find a link to substantiate this claim.

[duskdawn]

can we not showing politic and uneducated people's propaganda on this page, that is exactly what those propaganda want "you" propaganda slave to do.
Thank you and you are a smart person.
I see those screaming about are either hypocritic, ignorant or simply intelligence challenged.
I mean if you are worrying about human rights, do some real things. Don't ruin our dream of 1.3 billion people. We love the olympics and a politics-free olympics. But they are violating our human rights here. They are even more evil than Chinese government I must say by ruining our dream. :lol:

[Pickle33]

I think this is where Beijing have scored big time here. They've created not One, BUT Two!! iconic buildings. The juxtaposition of the two on the same site is just genius!



Agreed, the London stadium design, whilst contemporary just doesn't capture the imagination and the same interest as when I first saw the conceptual renders of the 'birds nest'. The same goes for the London aquatics complex. I'm a fan of Zaha Hadid, in fact she's probably my favourite architect at the moment, but i'm having some trouble remembering the building. The same goes for the Olympic stadium. Memory is important, especially when it comes to the Olympics.

Whilst i'm convinced the Hadid aquatic centre will be 'world class' architecturally, it still doesn't attain the Iconic status, that little bit more that differentiates the good with the Best, as I believe both the Beijing stadium and aquatic centre have.

The London Olympic Stadium design has not been decided yet. The images used to date (including the bid) are conceptual. The design and build contract for the main stadium has only just been awarded (July 07) and we will find out what the final design will be in Autumn 07. The architect (can't remember his name off hand) designed this cultural centre in Gratz:

http://www.ylem.org/Forum/images/building.jpg

...so the stadium design is not going to conservative. The stadium design is constrained by the fact that most of it will be temporary because the capacity will be reduced from 80000 to 25000 in legacy mode. Probably means only part of the stadium will have a roof.

http://www.london2012.com/news/archive/2007-07/next-step-for-olympic-stadium.php

[ccsraj]

ONE WORLD ONE DREAM is the slogan for 2008 summer olympics.

Its simple in expression but profound in meaning.

The highly needed in this hour is integration amoung all and the slogan expresses it.

[montesky]

since when chineese have such an imaginative architects? many projects are tooooo original and tooo great. really surprising event. good for them

[Wendy is here!]

The London Olympic Stadium design has not been decided yet. The images used to date (including the bid) are conceptual. The design and build contract for the main stadium has only just been awarded (July 07) and we will find out what the final design will be in Autumn 07. The architect (can't remember his name off hand) designed this cultural centre in Gratz:

http://www.ylem.org/Forum/images/building.jpg


That's the Kunsthaus in Graz! I had no idea that Peter Cook (and Fournier - can't remember his first name!) were up to design the new stadium! That should be interesting, I love his Archigram stuff!!! (He must be getting on a bit though!!!):)

[Pronaos]

http://www.ylem.org/Forum/images/building.jpg

That is one of the weirdest buildings I've ever seen.
It looks like a rib roast.

http://lynnescountrykitchen.net/pork/porkRibRoast1.jpg

[duskdawn]

Looks like a giant deep ocean creature.

[Gaeus]

Does anyone else think that London can't possibly compete with Beijing?


You should not compare London to Beijing Olympics. London was the host before. This is the first time China hosted the Olympics after decades of social problems. The Olympics is a very special event for China because it explains how the country is getting stabilize and opening itself to the world. With the combined mega-economic boom, it explains why China is spending such vast amount of money.

[SmellyHongKongAir]

be reminded that every city has its own history over thousands of years.

london and beijing are in the world of their own, and should not be compared directly. when u look at london, respect its place in the hearts of the western world. and to beijing, the determination of the eastern world should not be underminded too

the atmosphere u got in both cities will be unique, and this is where the world meets for sports and it shld not be linked to any criteria anyone can imposed on.

[hkskyline]

The focus of London's Olympic venues is rejuvenation, especially because the East end is a bit poorer than the West. Beijing has enough space around its periphery to build from scratch, which is what they're doing. Many of the Olympic sites are quite a distance from the Forbidden City.

A lot of the Olympics planning is really contingent on the cities themselves - how they're built, what will be the legacy after the Games, etc.

[VVVV]

Hockey Stadium
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1361/1007737576_d2dacf6c1c.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1396/980074954_bc6153f3a7.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1150/980081082_7da5a89145.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1409/1006879749_24d0458b22.jpg?v=0
photo by rosemanios . flicker.

[VVVV]

http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2007-08/05/xinsrc_27208040522161251841734.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2007-08/05/xinsrc_22208040522147032781132.jpg
http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2007-08/05/content_6478922.htm

[marrio415]

i'm british and i may not agree with things that china do(on human rights issues).But i'll say this good luck fo 2008 and hope it goes well.And on to 2012 london will pick up where Bejing will leave off.And to some brits on here your a joke get behind 2012 this doesn't come around that often so embrace it don't criticise it wait til 2012 and you won't be dissapointed.But enough of that.Back to 2008 and roll on

[Zenith]

wow... never thought I'd actually see the day that the bird's nest is built...

personally I find it ugly... very clever design though.

they wantted to build something that people will talk about ages past... people will sure talk about this...

Ugly ?? Well respect, but god I truly think this is easily one of the most daring and beautiful buildings I have ever scene...Please London come up with something better than you have so far !!!

[Sexas]

http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2007-08/05/xinsrc_27208040522161251841734.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2007-08/05/xinsrc_22208040522147032781132.jpg
http://news.xinhuanet.com/photo/2007-08/05/content_6478922.htm

wow! HOLY WOW!

[PopolVuh!]

Wow, it looks great from the outside with all the colorful lighting.

[duskdawn]

^^ Yea, and imagine they are just testing part of the lighting facilities.

[CarlosBlueDragon]

wow... beautiful...sight a color!! :okay: :applause:

[VVVV]

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/headers/8.jpg:banana:

[Fernando96]

Yeah!!!! Beijing 2008 is just 1 year away, beautiful stadiums and arenas for the games. Good Luck!!!!!

[mr.x]

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/headers/8.jpg:banana:

do you like my countdown banner? :D