Recently, Zhao Zhixiong, the General Manager of the National Aquatics Center, held a press conference to introduce the hardware facilities of the venue during the "Good Luck Beijing" Chinese Swimming Open. Regarding issues such as whether the Water Cube is energy-saving and the utilization of some facilities, Zhao Zhixiong provided clarifications.
Energy consumption does not exceed that of ordinary buildings
"In its inflated state, the air inside the Water Cube membrane is in low-frequency circulation, and the electricity used for inflating the membrane structure will not be a burden on the venue," Zhao Zhixiong refuted the claim that the "Water Cube membrane structure consumes a lot of energy."
Previously, it was claimed that the membrane structure of the "Water Cube" needs to be constantly inflated, consuming three times the energy of an ordinary venue, which would also become a burden for the post-game operation of the "Water Cube."
Zhao Zhixiong frankly stated that the bubbles of the "Water Cube" are formed by multiple pumps blowing air into the middle of the membrane structure. Under computer control, when the air inside the bubble reaches a reasonable state, the membrane and the pump will keep the air in low-frequency circulation. Meanwhile, the "Water Cube's" bubbles do not leak air, so the electricity consumption of the "Water Cube" is within the capacity of the venue.
In terms of energy saving, Zhao Zhixiong gave examples, saying that through many detailed designs, the energy consumption of the venue has been reduced to the lowest level. "For example, all energy-saving lamps are used in the venue; the light-emitting devices that can change the color of the outer membrane also use LED tubes, which consume much less energy than ordinary lamps."
Additionally, because the membrane is very transparent, natural light can be extensively introduced into the venue, reducing electricity expenditure.
Post-game internal renovation will be carried out
After the Olympics, the interior of the "Water Cube" will undergo dismantling and renovation to better transform the venue into an "international cultural and entertainment center." The time for dismantling and renovation will be announced separately, and whether it will be closed during the renovation requires further research.
Zhao Zhixiong humorously said that actually many facilities inside the "Water Cube" are temporary renovations for the Olympics. He pointed at the press conference hall: "The seats where all the journalists are sitting will become a parking lot after the Olympics. The internal facilities of the parking lot have already been prepared, but we temporarily built this press conference hall for the Olympics."
Athletes provide positive feedback
As of today, the "Good Luck Beijing" swimming open competition has been ongoing for four days. The hot topics for media interviews mostly revolve around the Water Cube. Female swimmer Zhu Yingwen of the Chinese swimming team praised the Water Cube highly when talking about the venue facilities. The only slightly regrettable thing for her was that the changing room was relatively small.
Chinese swimming leader Wu Peng did not participate in the competition, but he appeared in the lanes of the Water Cube several afternoons in a row to try the water early. He also mentioned that the changing rooms were slightly small, "Possibly there are larger changing rooms that haven't been opened yet, and the changing room we are using now is slightly narrow in layout." Regarding this issue, Zhao Zhixiong said they have not received any official feedback from FINA.
Bubble Bar to open after the Olympics
At the southeast corner of the Water Cube, a special area named "Bubble Bar" has been set up. The "Bubble Bar" covers nearly 100 square meters, surrounded by some white chairs. Tourists can touch the membrane structure by simply extending their hands here, making it the only place in the Water Cube where visitors can closely interact with the membrane structure.
The "Bubble Bar" was only open to the audience on the first day of the event. Currently, the entrance to the "Bubble Bar" is blocked by some banners. "Currently, there is no limit on the number of people in that area. If many spectators visit, it might cause damage to the membrane structure," Zhao Zhixiong explained why the "Bubble Bar" was only open for one day.
Regarding the specific launch date of the "Bubble Bar," Zhao Zhixiong said, "It should be after the Olympics, when the Water Cube becomes a sports and leisure center."