Birdsnest Stadium: an Icon of Function and Design

The Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing, China, was a successful blend of function and design, conceived before Beijing won the Olympic bid. It met criteria like post-Olympic use and low maintenance. Construction began in December 2003 and finished in 2007, involving 17,000 workers. The stadium features a seating capacity of 80,000, a rainwater collector, and a climate control system. Officially opened on June 28, 2008, it was a success during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Developers are exploring ways to repurpose it into a shopping mall and hotel to increase its use.

What was one of the criteria for the Bird's Nest Stadium design competition?

• High seating capacity

• Post-Olympic use

• Eco-friendly materials

• Proximity to the city center

How many construction workers were involved in building the Bird's Nest Stadium?

• 10,000

• 15,000

• 20,000

• 17,000

What is one feature of the Bird's Nest Stadium that helps regulate temperature?

• Heating and cooling system

• Solar panels

• Wind turbines

• Natural ventilation

When was the Bird's Nest Stadium officially opened?

• June 28, 2007

• June 28, 2008

• July 28, 2008

• August 8, 2008

What future development is planned for the Bird's Nest Stadium?

• A sports museum

• A shopping mall and hotel

• An art gallery

• A new sports complex