#4 – (9/11) Mercedes Garcia – Water Cube

 

            I graduated high school in 2008, which was the same year the Summer Olympics was hosted in Beijing. I remember a lot of hype around this Olympics in particular, due mostly to the host country’s political policies. But a good part of that hype was also centered around the construction of the Beijing National Stadium and the Beijing National Aquatics Center – referred to as the ‘Bird’s Nest’ and the ‘Water Cube,’ respectively. The Water Cube was dually designed by PTW Architects, an Australian firm, and Chinese regulated building groups, specifically for Olympic use (as was the Bird’s Nest). I remember watching a documentary in class on the Water Cube and how the design team had studied the way soap bubbles formed. All the anticipation of the Olympics itself and the new buildings was definitely lived up to, in my mind. I still remember watching the Opening Ceremony during a graduation party and feeling blown away by the whole production.