The University of Science and Technology Beijing

The University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) Gymnasium is completed. Comprising a main gymnasium and a 50 m X 25 m standard-sized swimming pool, the gymnasium has a total building area of 24,662 sq m.

The main gymnasium contains a 60 m x 40 m competition area and 8,012 spectator seats, including 4,080 permanent seats and 3,932 temporary seats. The venue will hold the Judo and Taekwondo competitions of the Olympic Games and Wheelchair Rugby and Wheelchair Basketball competitions of the Paralympic Games next year. The gymnasium meets all the competition requirements for these sports.

The USTB Gymnasium belongs to the Olympics, but moreover, it belongs to the university, emphasized Zhuang Weimin, the venue's designer. Zhuang, the dean of the Architectural Design and Research Institute at Tsinghua University, explained that since the early stages of designing the gymnasium, a major goal was to have the gymnasium complement its green surroundings.

The gymnasium takes full advantage of sunlight, rainwater, fresh air, and other renewable resources to address the power, air conditioning, and water supply needs, he said. The gymnasium also has a solar-powered hot water system, an adjustable frequency air conditioning system, and a reclaimed water system.

The biggest highlight of the USTB Gymnasium lies in the installation of 148 fiber optic light pipes that are 530 mm in diameter -- more than in any other Beijing Olympic venue so far. On days with strong sunlight, the light pipes will be able to meet the lighting needs for sports training in the gymnasium. At night, the light pipes will transmit light through the gymnasium' s roof, creating an attractive nightscape effect.

Throughout the entire construction process, making the gymnasium people-friendly was a top priority. Zhuang said that full consideration was given to making the venue accessible to people with a disability.

After the Games, the USTB Gymnasium will become the university's main education and entertainment venue. It will also be used for major international sports competitions.