The Water Cube, originally designed by Australian firm PTW Architects with the help of Arup, was already an amazing work of architecture that garnered a number of awards and had some record-breaking swimming go on inside of it. With its bubbly facade, incredible daylit interior and energy efficient design, it would have been a shame to let this building just sit there. So we’re pleased as can be that the facility has been turned into an fantastical aquatic playground where families can go and spend time together.
Inside it is a magical underwater wonderland with hanging ribbons, blue bubbles and floating jellyfish. There are about 10 different “rides” including a wave pool, tube slides, speed slides and even a lazy river. Daylighting through the ETFE pillow exterior still plays a major role in the facility and at night, interior lights shine out to illuminate the surrounding area. The Olympic pool is still used for swimming matches, but now the rest of the facility can be used on a regular basis.
