国家游泳中心“水立方”是2008年北京奥运会标志性建筑物之一，也是北京市政府指定的唯一一个由港澳台侨同胞捐资建设的标志性奥运场馆。奥运会期间，承担游泳、跳水、花样游泳、水球等比赛。赛后将建成为具有国际先进水平的、集游泳、运动、健身、休闲于一体的多功能的大型水上运动中心。

The Water Cube, National Aquatics Centre

     Time: 5 minutes   Difficulty: ★★★

National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube，is the landmark building of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, located inside the Beijing Olympic Green. It is related to the National Stadium on the north part of Beijing Central Axis and reinforces the historical and cultural features of Beijing city. The planning area of the NSC is 62,950m², and the total floor area is 65,000 — 80,000m², in which the underground component is not less than 15,000 m².

“Water Cube” design was based on a natural pattern of organic cells and the formation of soap bubbles. Contained within the center’s blue bubble walls are the pools for the Olympic swimming and diving competitions, along with the total seating capacity for 17,000 spectators, including 6,000 permanent and 11,000 temporary for Games which will be removed post-Games,

As one of the most dramatic and exciting venues to feature sporting events for the Beijing Olympics in 2008, the Water Cube will welcome its first game — the Good Luck Beijing swimming test event from January 31 through February 5. Another two competitions the FINA Diving World Cup and the FINA Olympic synchronized swimming qualifying tournament will also take place in the venue before the Olympics. During the Olympic Games, the NAC will be intended for swimming, diving, synchronized swimming and water-polo final. After the Games, the venue, owned, managed and operated by BJSAM(Beijing Stated-owned Assets Management Corp. Ltd) , will be for various activities such as aquatic sports, swimming, fitness and recreation.

 Help: aquatics n.水上运动          axis n.轴    

synchronized adj.同步的      tournament n.联赛

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