Lately, China formally exposed its bubble-wrapped National Aquatics Centre, dubbed as the “Water Cube.” It is one of the two iconic spots for 2008 Beijing Olympics. The impressive rectangular box, dressed in a honeycomb of translucent cushions would be hosting the diving, swimming and matched swimming during 8-24 August. This $143.2 million complex is not up to the expectations and prototype of the “dreamlike and water-blue building” and the ETFE pneumatic pillows evidently needs to be purified of the filth of production. The work on this edifice was started in 2003 and the intricate structure was planned by an Australian consortium.

The “Water Cube” is surely the exclusive creation for the Beijing Games, financed by assistance from “overseas Chinese”, counting $25 million from late Hong Kong billionaire Henry Fok and his family. It is this pool only where American Michael Phelps would be the first man to bag eight gold medals at one Games.

Via Reuters