Ep 1. Beijing Water Cube

The first episode of MegaStructures season 1 takes us to Beijing, China, where we'll explore one of the most iconic buildings from the 2008 Olympics: the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube.

As we approach the Water Cube, we can see its signature bubble-like façade, made of over 4,000 individual plastic air cushions. The entire structure covers a massive area of 80,000 square meters and stands 30 meters high. It was designed to be a symbol of transparency, lightness, and flexibility, and to evoke a sense of water droplets, bubbles, and foam.

Our host takes us inside the complex to show us the main pool, which was the center of attention during the Olympics. It is a deep, rectangular pool, located on the first floor of the building, with a length of 50 meters, a width of 25 meters, and a depth of 3 meters. The pool was especially designed to comply with Olympic regulations, with special features such as a wave-absorbing design, water filtration and circulation systems, and a heating system to keep the water at a specific temperature.

We also get to see the diving pool, located on the second floor of the building. This pool has a depth of 5 meters and includes a diving tower with platforms at various heights, ranging from 3 meters to 10 meters. Our host explains that the pool was designed to have a lower-than-normal diving depth to reduce the risk of injury. We learn that the diving tower has a unique cantilevered design, which required special engineering expertise to ensure its structural stability.

The Water Cube also has a unique feature that allows it to harness solar energy. We see the roof of the building, which is made of a semi-transparent material that allows natural light to enter. In addition, the roof is covered in photovoltaic cells, which generate electricity from the sun's energy. Our host explains that this feature was part of a larger effort to make the Olympics a "Green Olympics" and to showcase China's commitment to sustainability.

As the episode progresses, we get to see some of the challenges that the architects and engineers faced during the construction of the Water Cube. For example, the site was located in a high-risk earthquake zone, which required the building to be designed to withstand seismic activity. In addition, the unique shape of the building posed challenges for the fabrication and installation of the plastic air cushions and required innovative solutions to ensure their structural integrity.

Overall, this episode of MegaStructures provides a fascinating look at one of the most iconic buildings of the 21st century. The Water Cube is not only a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of its architects and engineers, but also a cultural landmark that continues to inspire awe and admiration. It is a fitting tribute to the Olympic athletes who competed there and to the spirit of human achievement.