Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing (China)

Image enlarges when clicking on it | wikimedia.org

The Beijing National Stadium, also known as the "Bird's Nest" is an amazing multifunctional sports complex with an unusual shape. It was created for the 2008 Summer Olympics and is located next to the Beijing National Swimming Complex, which is known as the Water Cube and also has a not entirely unusual shape (read more about the Beijing Water Cube here ☛). What can I say… China continues to amaze us.

The cost of building the stadium is estimated at 3,5 billion yuan, which is approximately 325 million euros. The capacity of the stadium is 80,000 people.

Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing (China)

Image enlarges when clicking on it | wikimedia.org

The stadium has a rather interesting and unusual appearance. The stands of the stadium are located on a concrete "bowl". Around this "bowl" there are 24 truss columns, on top of which there are weaves of curved metal beams.

At the top of this structure, ETFE films are stretched between weaves to form the top of the cover. Polytetrafluoroethylene was used in the lower part of the coating. These two materials are transparent, which allows sunlight to enter the stands, and they are also very light.

For the construction of a stadium in China, a new steel grade was developed, which is distinguished by the almost complete absence of third-party impurities, which to some extent complicated the welding of steel elements.

Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing (China)

Image enlarges when clicking on it | wikimedia.org

Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing (China)

Image enlarges when clicking on it | wikimedia.org

The construction of the stadium began in December 2003, and its opening took place in March 2008. Initially, it was planned to build a stadium with a sliding cover that would completely cover the field area. However, due to funding problems, construction was stopped for some time.

In March 2004, work was resumed on a new project. The new project was that it was decided to abandon the retractable roof, which subsequently made it possible to save more than 10,000 tons of steel and about 150 million dollars.

The stadium was originally designed for 100,000 people, however, 9000 seats were removed during the simplification of the design. The new total of 91000 was later reduced further when 2008 temporary seats were removed after the 11000 Olympics. Thus, the capacity of the stadium was brought up to 80,000 people.

Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing (China)

Image enlarges when clicking on it | wikimedia.org

Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing (China)

Image enlarges when clicking on it | wikimedia.org

Due to its appearance, the stadium was nicknamed "The Bird's Nest". This is the first such building not only in China, but throughout the world, which, in fact, made this stadium one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.

In addition to sporting events, the Bird's Nest hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Olympic Games. In addition to the Olympic Games, the stadium hosted matches of the Italian Super Cup in 2009, 2011 and 2012.

In 2022, the stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 24th Winter Olympic Games.

Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing (China)

Image enlarges when clicking on it | wikimedia.org

Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing (China)

Image enlarges when clicking on it | wikimedia.org