8/29 class

Today I was shown images of the "Water Cube" the revolutionary design for the 2008 Olympics National Aquatics Centre in Beijing. The unique structure emulates the formation of soap bubbles, concentrating the support along the edges, and allowing for a column-free span. As a former competitive swimmer and aquatic sport enthusiast I can trully appreciate this space for its ingenuity and aesthetics. The building mirrors the water that it encloses...form following function...or is function following form? Either way it is a unique space that is successful and demonstrates how computers and digital technology are allowing designers to accomplish things that would not have been imagined in the past.