Legacy in action: Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics

Chinese National Stadium (Bird’s Nest)

The iconic Bird’s Nest (as pictured above) with a capacity of 100,000 was the home to the track and field events for the 2008 Olympic Games, and became the first venue to host both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies in 2022.

Boasting a unique form inspired by traditional Chinese-style ‘crazed pottery’, the stadium was designed by engineers Arup, Herzog & de Meuron architects and China Architecture Design & Research Group. Although seemingly arbitrary, the pattern abides by complex rules from which the engineers were able to define the geometry. To optimise the spectator experience, the team established the design for the seating bowl first, with the outer façade wrapping around it. Advanced seismic analysis is also adapted to ensure the structure can withstand major shocks. To maintain the atmosphere and provide a superb in-stadium experience, the roof was cladded with ETFE panels on the upper surface and an acoustic membrane on the lower surface.

National Aquatics Center (Water Cube)

© ArgusPhoto

© Arup

A spectacular sporting venue from the 2008 Games, the Water Cube has been converted into the ‘Ice Cube’ to host curling events during the Winter Olympics.

The building has been equipped with Arup’s digital platform called ‘Neuron’ which incorporates BIM, IoT and analytics for better facility management, while contributing to a digital transformation model that helps the client optimise the operations of future sports venues. Fire engineering services were also provided by Arup to support its transformation into the Ice Cube.

National Convention Centre Phase 2

© Beijing North Star Convention and Exhibition Investment Co., Ltd

During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the National Convention Centre hosted fencing and pentathlon events and served as an international broadcasting and press centre. In 2022, the world-class conference and exhibition space has a newly built pavilion, serving as the main media centre for the Winter Olympics.

Arup provided multidisciplinary services including structural and fire engineering for this 460m long building. The structural design effectively enhances the seismic and vibration performance of the long-span structures and their supports. Fire partitions, evacuation strategies and smoke management plans were also formatted to cater for the mega interior space.

Shougang Industry Services Park

© Arup

Lying at the backdrop of the Big Air Shougang stadium is the Shougang Industry Services Park. This project is China’s first C40 Climate Positive Development Project with an important climate change mission, and a showcase of urban rehabilitation and regeneration.

Arup, Shougang Group and Beijing Municipal Institute of City Planning & Design (BMICPD) worked together to transform the 8.63km2 former industrial area into a sustainable, low-carbon community for people to live and work.