Water-theme architecture saves 10,500 cubic meters of rainfall a year

(BEIJING, January 28) -- The National Aquatics Center completed for use at the end of January here in Beijing. The architectural wonder has been given a vivid nickname -- the "Water Cube," and it literally embodies a water theme.

The exterior of the venue -- blue "bubbles" made by ETFE membrane -- fully showcases the grace and sensitivity of water. The interior of the translucent blue building also creates a magical aquatic environment

The gigantic building needs to consume a large amount of water resources.

Natural water resources such as rainfall can be collected with the venue's covering materal -– the ETFE membrane. With an area of 29,000 square meters, the rooftop of the National Aquatics Center can collect 10,500 cubic meters of rainfall a year, and 76 percent of this water can be used to supply the venue's landscaping and water refrigeration.

Additionally, a wastewater treatment system can keep the venue's water supply constant and prevent the water from pollutants and infections.