BIT Gymnasium features High-tech Olympic charm

(BEIJING, September 7) -- The Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) Gymnasium recently underwent renovations resulting in an expanded gymnasium and a new warm-up venue.

The venue's many high-tech features include a basket handle-like rooftop structure that creates stability and reduces the amount of steel used. This type of structural method is generally reserved for constructing bridges. In addition, the new temporary warm-up venue features an arched metal rooftop that allows for easy disassembly.

With a unique and innovative structural design and modern construction techniques, the renovated venue is a balanced integration of technology and architectural art.

The BIT Gymnasium covers an area of 22,632 sq m, including the 21,882-sq. m. expanded gymnasium and new warm-up gymnasium of 750 sq m. It will hold the Beijing 2008 Olympic volleyball preliminaries and the Beijing 2008 Paralympic goalball event. Following the Games, the venue will serve as a sports and culture center for the Beijing Institute of Technology community.