Inspired by nature
From a distance, the Water Cube looks like a simple rectangle. But up close its structure is surprisingly complex. The building's intricate steel frame is inspired by the way that bubbles cluster together.
'We wanted to design a building that reflected the watery world within its walls, so we researched waves, icebergs - things like that,' explains Tristram Carfrae, the Water Cube team leader. 'When I came across bubbles I knew we had the answer.'
| 
The Water Cube's unique structure is made out of 22,000 steel tubes.
Image: Zhou Ruogu Architecture Photography |
|
