brief

history

The ability to swim in China became a mandatory skill to learn with the increase of wars breaking out in water. The rst training facility to teach people the skills to survive in water was constructed in Bianlianf (Northwest of the capital). It was during the 18m and 19th century that swimming became recognised as a competitive sport. In China, swimming competively was not an option for the ordinary Chinese and was only enjenjoyed as a hobby or to relax and keep t. However swimming facilities in China are seen mostly as places to escape the sun during the summer months. Overcrowding makes these public places extremely manic and are not regarded as enjoyable places. It is due to the lack of facilities that means China has never been present on the international scene. The sport has only taken off in the last twenty years in preparation for the Beijing Olympics Games. (China Sports Today)

precedent

The water cube is thought to be a symbolic reection of chinese architecture. The chinese culture symbolises the square as earth and the bubbles as water. The 178mx31m facility has the capacity of 7000 people (post olympics) totaling a land surface of 65,000m2 and covers 32,000m2.

Beijing National Aquatic Centre, Beijing. 2007Chris Bosse & Rob Leslie-Carter

precedent

The Shanghai Oriental/Aquatic Sports Centre is located on a man-made lake that connects to Huangpu Lake. The centre covers a oor space of 163,800m2 facilitating an indoor pool with 18000 seating area, indoor 5000 seating area and outdoor swimming pool with 5000 seats. This will not only be an A level sporting events facility but a green and excellent physical tness centre open to the public.

Shanghai Oriental Sports Center, China 2011.GMP architects

precedents

Rooftop Swimming Pool, Melbourne

Sheraton Hotel, EdinburghTerry Farrell.

use of canals

The element of water has a strong signicance to China symbolism and is a key aspect of the masterplan. It is the water of the canals that will act as the main transport in the car-free settlement. Water is also an important feature within an Water is also an important feature within an Aquatic Centre and the integration of the waterways will make the settlement a more vivid, unique andlively place to live.