Beijing National Stadium

Beijing National Stadium, also known as the “Bird’s Nest”, is the main stadium for the 2008 Olympic. It can accommodate 90,000 spectators, with a construction area of 260,000 square meters, where the opening and closing ceremonies, athletics and the final of men’s football was staged. The outer surface of the “Bird’s Nest” is covered with air bubble film by way of padding, through which the sunlight is softened. The top has a sliding and openable roof, similar to a container’s cover, so that a pleasantly surprising visual effect can be achieved no matter the roof is closed or open. The inside of the Beijing National Stadium is divided into upper, middle and lower storeys, and the inside hall serves as an indoor town space with restaurants and stores.

The “Bird’s Nest”

The “Bird’s Nest” is at present the largest consumer for steel and the most technically demanding stadium in the world, and a series of world top technical difficulties has been solved in its construction.

Origin of Its Name

The “Bird’s Nest” is designed as a container with a top presenting the height fluctuation. Its inner and outer structural supports weave into a network of the building’s frame, like the twigs of a bird’s nest. Hence, the name of the “Bird’s Nest”.

Designers

The “Bird’s Nest” was designed .by Prize-winning architects Herzog and de Meuron in collaboration with ArupSport and China Architecture Design and Research Group.