[Explanation] The National Aquatics Center, also known as the "Water Cube", is the venue for swimming, diving, synchronized swimming and other events in the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. During the Beijing Winter Olympics, the Water Cube will transform into an "Ice Cube" to take on curling and wheelchair curling competitions. On July 28, the reporter came to the National Swimming Center to learn about the current stadium renovation and construction.
[Explanation] It is understood that in order to realize the "water-to-ice conversion", the National Aquatics Center has carried out scientific research and system transformation in various aspects such as venue structure, temperature, humidity, lighting, acoustics, etc., and finally was able to set up a curling track on the swimming pool. At the end of 2019, the National Aquatics Center completed the ice-making work of the "Olympic Standard" ice surface for the first time and successfully held the first high-standard curling event of the "Ice Cube".
[Concurrent] Yang Qiyong, General Manager of National Swimming Center
We got the verification through the China Youth Curling Open in December last year (2019), and demonstrated that the conversion system of ice water conversion is established. The natural frequency of the structure exceeds 25 Hz, so that people and structures will never resonate and will not shake, and then the entire ice making system works very well. The last time it took about 2 months, we will usher in the Winter Olympics test competition this winter (2020). For this competition, we are going to complete the ice-water conversion work in 20 days.
[Explanation] The free conversion between water and ice not only enriches the business format of venues, but also creates conditions for repeated, comprehensive, and sustainable use of venues. In addition, the National Aquatics Center has also innovated the use of containerized locker rooms for athletes, and implemented low-carbon and environmentally-friendly functional modularization of retired containers. This not only reflects the concept of green Olympics, but also lays the foundation for the operation of venues after the game.
[Concurrent] Yang Qiyong, General Manager of National Swimming Center
We don’t need such a large number of locker rooms after the game, so according to the traditional method, we will use low-cost construction, and finally demolish it. After the demolition, it will become garbage, which will increase the difficulty and burden of absorption. This kind of container itself is not expensive, and at the same time (after the game) it can be completely pulled to the ground for commercial operations. Currently, it is tested in the form of a cafe. At the same time, it can also carry the original cultural symbols of the Olympic Games, which may be very good for attracting consumers in the future.
[Explanation] Currently, the ice sports center located in the South Square of the National Aquatics Center is also under construction. After the Winter Olympics, the center will be used for promotion and experience of ice sports.
[Concurrent] Yang Qiyong, General Manager of National Swimming Center
The structure of the South Plaza has been completed, and the machinery and equipment in it are now being worked on, as well as some renovation work. It should be completed in September and October this year (2020). This year (2020) we will try to operate the site to the public. It is a curling venue during the Olympic Games. After watching the game in the lobby, experience curling in the South Square. After the Olympic Games, we will increase training for young people such as ice hockey and figure skating, as well as some cultural consumption functions.
[Explanation] According to the plan, by the end of 2020, all competition venues in the Beijing competition area will be completed. At the beginning of the planning and construction, the venues in the Beijing competition area fully took into account the use of venues and sustainable development issues.
[Concurrent] Ding Jianming, Deputy Director of the Beijing Major Project Construction Headquarters Office
Take the 4 newly built stadiums and 7 renovated stadiums in the Beijing competition area (for example), they all have their own complete set of post-match utilization plans, and they are also equipped with a post-match operation team. All competition venues are equipped with the function of switching between winter events and summer events, realizing the two-wheel drive operation mode of competition and mass sports.
[Concurrent] Liu Xinping, Director of Sustainability Division, General Planning Department, Beijing Winter Olympics Organizing Committee
Sustainability does integrate environmental economy and society. The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics is a major landmark event at an important historical node in our country. We also hope to use this event to promote our economic development and social progress through this opportunity. On the one hand, it can also contribute to our future large-scale activities and the future development of our country. Create some good examples and patterns.
Cheng Yu reports from Beijing
Editor in charge: [Yu Xiao]