Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, is a multi-purpose stadium located in Beijing, China. It is primarily used for association football matches and athletic events. It was designed and built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, which were hosted by Beijing.
The stadium was officially opened on 28 June 2008, after five years of construction which started in December 2003. The design was a result of a collaboration between Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, project architect Stefan Marbach, artist Ai Weiwei, and CADG, led by chief architect Li Xinggang. The construction cost was over CNY¥3.5 billion, equivalent to US$423 million.
With its innovative design, the stadium has a seating capacity of 91,000, reduced to 80,000 after the Olympics. The design, which originated from the study of Chinese ceramics, implemented steel beams in order to hide supports for the retractable roof; giving the stadium the appearance of a 'Bird's nest'. The retractable roof was later removed from the design after inspiring the stadium's most recognizable aspect. Leading Chinese artist Ai Weiwei was the artistic consultant on the project.
The stadium has been used for events such as the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, and it will be used again in the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The stadium is a symbol of the country's growing economic power and has become a popular tourist attraction. It is estimated that over 7 million people visit the stadium each year. The stadium has also hosted the IAAF World Championships in Athletics in 2015 and is scheduled to host the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
While the previous Beijing stadium was also officially named 'Beijing National Sports Center', both the old and the new stadia are invariably referred to by their unofficial name, Beijing National Stadium. Beijing National Stadium is located in the Olympic Green, an Olympic Park in the Chaoyang District of Beijing. This unofficial name caught on soon after the original stadium's construction; the people of Beijing used to simply call it Guǒjiā Tiǎoyuán ('National Stadium'). Therefore, the stadium's common name became 'Beijing National Stadium', which is also known as the 'Bird's Nest'. This translation, however, could be argued to be inaccurate, since Bird's Nest refers not to an actual bird's nest but to the design of the stadium which was inspired by the shape of a bird's nest.
The stadium was designed for use throughout the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. The design, which originated from the study of Chinese ceramics, implemented steel beams in order to hide supports for the retractable roof; giving the stadium the appearance of a 'Bird's Nest'. Leading Chinese artist Ai Weiwei was the artistic consultant on the project. In the aftermath of the Olympics, the site has been used for various public events, sports events, concerts, and has become a popular tourist site in Beijing.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 91,000 people during the Olympics, but this was reduced to 80,000 after the event. Despite its reduction in capacity, it remains the largest stadium in China and one of the largest in the world. The unique and innovative design of the Beijing National Stadium has made it an iconic symbol of modern China, reflecting the country's rising global stature. The stadium has won numerous international awards for its design and construction, and it continues to be a source of national pride for the people of China.
The Beijing National Stadium, colloquially known as the 'Bird's Nest', due to its unique architectural design, is situated in the Olympic Green Village in the Chaoyang District of Beijing. Its location was strategically chosen for its easy accessibility and the ample space available for future expansions or events.
The ownership of the stadium belongs to the government of Beijing, though it was designed and constructed by a consortium of architects and engineers, including the internationally renowned firm Herzog & de Meuron. The planning for the stadium started in the early 2000s, in preparation for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics.
Under the guidance of Li Xinggang, the chief architect of the project, and the support from the Chinese government, the construction of the stadium was funded by public contributions and government funding. The stadium's construction was a massive undertaking that required the collective efforts of thousands of workers. This included not only regular construction workers but also a considerable number of volunteers who contributed their time and energy towards the realization of this architectural marvel.
Construction of the Beijing National Stadium began on 24 December 2003. Despite the challenges faced during the construction process, including a temporary halt due to concerns over the high construction cost, the stadium was completed in less than five years. The final construction cost was estimated to be CNY 3.5 billion, and the stadium was officially opened to the public on 28 June 2008. With a seating capacity of 80,000, it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics, as well as the athletic events and football finals.
The Bird's Nest continues to be a symbol of national pride and an iconic architectural landmark in Beijing. It has been utilized for various events since the Olympics, including the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Athletics and the annual Beijing International Running Festival. In addition, the stadium is slated to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2022 Winter Olympics, making it the first stadium in the world to host both Summer and Winter Olympic ceremonies.
'Beijing National Stadium (2008)': Detailed information about the Beijing National Stadium, its construction, and its significance.
'Beijing National Stadium (The Bird's Nest) – since 2008': An in-depth look at the stadium post-construction and its impact on Beijing.
The Bird's Nest doesn't fade, Preface, Prime Books, 2008: A book discussing the enduring relevance and significance of the Beijing National Stadium.
Beijing National Stadium 100 glorious years - The History 1, Edition and Contents, S.A., 2008: A comprehensive history of the stadium and its role in Beijing's history.
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