Three designs for the National Swimming Center for the 2008 Beijing Olympics are being exhibited at the Beijing International Convention Center from Thursday to Saturday. It aims to give the public a chance to vote for their preferred design.
The three designs were chosen from the 10 submitted for the final competition. The judging panel made the decision based on two criteria. One is whether the project meets the needs of the sport itself. The other is whether the design has distinguishing cultural features and how it fits into the surrounding environment.
The final design will be chosen by August 15, ahead of approval by the Beijing Municipal Government. The Swimming Center is to be located in the Olympic Green, and will have a capacity of 17,000. For the 2008 Olympic Games, the swimming, diving, synchronized swimming and water polo competitions will be held in the Swimming Center. After the games, it will be opened to the public.
(CCTV.COM July 4, 2003)
