Beijing 2008: Olympicizing Architecture (Part -1)

Water Cube (National Aquatic Center)

Architects: PTW,Australia and CCDI China
Completed: 2008

Seating Capacity: 17,000 ( Including 11,000 temporary)

The building is named "water cube" because of its state of art architecture which is based on the structure of soap bubbles, air filled pockets of translucent plastic

( which glow blue at night) forming the rectangular face of Beijing Olympic Swimming Center and giving an organic appearance.Image (left-above): Jason Lee / Reuters

The facade of the building surrounded by a moat is made up of more than 3000 air filled pockets not only cause the building to function similarly to a green house but also allow daylight into the building.Solar energy is used to heat the pool and the building and backwash water being filtered and reused in the pools.The membrane of the complex is made up of special material called ETFE ( Ethylene Tetra Fluro Ethylene), also known as king of plastics in construction industry.ETFE allows more light and heat penetration than glass in one hand, On the other it makes the structure light in weight further making the complex eco- friendly and seismic- resistant.

German architect Chris Bosse based in Sydney worked as concept architect for the Water Cube.Two images shot by him is posted below;

Display of colorful lights,

Residence of Ousted king,Nepal

Photo: Narendra Shrestha, Kantipur daily

June 11, 2008 former king Gyanendra Shah left his official palace ( seen on picture below) and moved to one of his former residence ( picture: left), after an elected assembly decided to abolish 240 year old monarchy last month on may 28 turning the small nation between two Asian giants China and India into republic.The Nepal government has allowed him to live in this state-owned ordinary building which used to be his summer palace until he arranges a private home.

Brad Pitt turns architect

Recently,The headline by Anita Singh in the Telegraph drew my attention.Oscar-nominated star Brad Pitt will be among a team of Los-Angeles based firm Graft as a design consultants for an eight hundred room luxury hotel which is claimed to be a landmark in environmental sustainability.

"Whilst acting is my career, architecture is my passion". "I am really into architecture,structure and design. Give me anything I will design it.I am a bit nutty with it", Anita quoted Pitt."Our master plan and design concept will be world-leading and we are delighted to be collaborating with Brad Pitt and the team at Graft, which is recognised for its innovative building design. This project will display our uncompromising focus commitment for developing high quality and environmentally sustainable real estate in this region", Robert Norton,Chief executive of the developers Zabeel properties said Singh further added in her article.Pitt is also helping to build 150 homes in the lower ninth ward of New Orleans, which was devastated by hurricane Katrina in 2005. Pitt Commissioned 13 architectural firm to design affordable and environmental friendly housing for the project called ' Make it Right,the pink project'. Some images of the project ( designed by concordia and Kieran Timberlake); ........

For the same make it right project, Brad also conceived a group of pink houses inspired by a pink fabric house which was being used in a set of his movie in New Orleans. He dialed to Graft and briefed his concept for the shooting spot. Anfd here are some images developed by the Graft...

In the end ( This too), architect Frank Ghery and Brad Pitt are close friend since they met in 2001.While Pitt is turning into architecture, Ghery might also turn to acting. Who Knows, One day, Ghery might get his name in Oscar-nomination and Brad in Pritzker -nomination list! Could it be so?.....