Back in 2008, we marveled at Australian architecture firm PTW’s Water Cube. With its iridescent cellular façade, the swimming facility played host to top notch swimming competitions within an energy efficient and dynamic piece of architecture. But, move over Michael Phelps – there are new swimmers in town! After a ten-month renovation, the facility will now house a 140,000-square-foot water park (Asia’s largest) designed by Toronto-based planning and design firm Forrec.
More images and more about the water park after the break.
Inside Happy Magic Water Park, pastel colored jellyfish are suspended from the ceiling and slides of every color twist and wrap around one another. A relaxing 500-foot-long lazy river slithers around the perimeter, while – for the more adventurous – ocean waves are generated in the wave pool.
The park also features a nearly vertical slide that guests enter via a launch capsule, and a 45-foot wide funnel slide which allows four people to play in one small “bowl” and roll in a big bowl.
The addition of the water park allows the Cube to be used on a regular basis, rather than just during major swimming competitions, as it provides the perfect space for all to enjoy the water.
Visiting tips:
Water Cube at Olympic Park, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Transportation: Take the special Olympic subway line 8 to Olympic Park.
Water park opening times: 10:00-21:30 (ticket sales stop at 20:30)
Tickets: 200 RMB adults, 160 RMB children 1.2-1.4 meters tall, free for children shorter than 1.2 meters
Source: CRIEnglish
