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Beijing’s contemporary architectural wonders

Beijing’s contemporary architectural wonders

“There are nine million bicycles in Beijing; that’s a fact, it’s a thing we can’t deny,” as the song goes. Beijing is one of the most populous cities in the world. Another thing we cannot deny is the fact that Beijing is home to many architectural marvels. We have narrowed it down to five.

National Aquatic Centre

Also known as the Water Cute, the National Aquatic Centre was used as a water-sports venue in the 2008 Olympic Games. The project of building this structure was undertaken by a number of global parties; people from China and Australia. China’s contribution to the design was that they wanted a square structure that best represented a particular cultural symbolism, while Australia’s input was to cover the cube in what looks like bubbles because of its function as a water-sport venue. In fact, it is not a cube, but rather a rectangular box; although, this has not stopped it from being nicknamed the Water Cube. Regardless of the technicalities of its name, the building is a spectacle both at night and during the day when the bubbles glow a beautiful blue.

National Library of China

What makes the National Library in Beijing a marvel is that it not only possesses the biggest literature and historical document collections in China, as a resource base it has the most advance network service. Additional to this, it is the largest library in China. Designed by a German architectural firm, the building looks like a giant book from a particular angle.

National Center for Performing Arts

This curved culture center has a music hall, a theater and an opera house. From a distance, one can clearly see the titanium and glass dome surrounded by an artificial lake like a pebble dropped into a pond. It is renowned for its innovative architectural design and the scope of the performances that take place within it.

Capital Museum

Established in 1981, this art museum was moved into the present building in 2006 only. It is the second biggest museum in China, second only to the National Museum. It is home to a vast collection of cultural artefacts from various Asian communities. Most of these artefacts were unearthed and excavated in Beijing. The design of the building was influenced by traditional Beijing architecture; with a large roof and stone exterior.

National Indoor Stadium

With its close proximity to the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube, it is no wonder that the National Indoor Stadium also incorporated traditional Chinese imagery and symbolism into its design. This stadium is more affectionately called “the fan” because of its appearance resembling that of a hand-held fan. The stadium is used for a number of activities related to art, entertainment and sport; most significantly its use in the Olympic Games in 2008.

Summary:

Beijing is home to many architectural marvels; their incorporation of cultural symbols and fusion with modern designs come together beautifully in awe-inspiring buildings. These are just five of such wonders.

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