Securing the design contract for the National Swimming Centre for the Beijing 2008 Olympics was a task worthy of gold medal distinction. But with the help of MicroStation and Bentley Structural software, Arup and architectural firm PTW of Sydney, Australia, together with CSCEC from Beijing and Shenzhen, beat out 10 qualifiers for this prestigious, world-class project. 

Arup’s “Water Cube” design was based on a natural pattern of organic cells and the formation of soap bubbles. Contained within the center’s blue bubble walls are the pools for the Olympic swimming and diving competitions, along with seating for 17,000 spectators.