“Five huge nails” some Internet commentators quipped as it neared completion. This is how the Beijing Olympic Tower was referred to. Now, let’s delve into the story of this iconic structure.
The Beijing Olympic Tower stands tall on Kehui South Road. It graces the Olympic Green in Beijing’s Chaoyang District. Construction commenced in 2011. It opened its doors on August 8, 2015.
This tower serves strictly for observation. You won’t find offices or apartments here. The China Architecture Design & Research Group designed it.
Rising to 258 metres, it ranks as the second tallest tower in Beijing. Only the Central Radio & TV Tower surpasses it. Its design features four smaller circular floors. These sit at varying heights below a larger top floor. This arrangement is meant to mirror the Olympic rings. The overall design drew inspiration from blades of grass.
The tower occupies a 7.5-hectare landscaped area. It sits at the northeast corner of Kehui South Road and Tianchen Road. The surrounding terrain is mostly urban open space.
To the east lies a curving artificial waterbody. It borders the Olympic Green neighborhood. To the north is the South Gate of Forest Park Station. Just beyond lies the vast Olympic Forest Park. To the south stand former Olympic sport venues. The Birds’ Nest is one of them.
The five separate towers rest on a concrete foundation. It boasts 30,000 square metres of exposed surface. A landscaped rise surrounds the base. The largest tower reaches 258 metres. The lesser towers vary in height. The lowest stands at 186 metres.
Diagonal members connect the lesser towers to the main structure. All towers widen at their tops. This design allows for observation platforms. The lesser tower tops spiral up to the main one. The steel exterior transforms into latticework. This offers views from behind the glass. Two elevators transport visitors up the central tower.
A design competition was held in the mid-2000s. Cui Kai and Li Cundong won. They were from the Chinese Architecture Design and Research Group. Zhao Wenbin designed the landscaping.
The tower was completed in August 2014. It offers panoramic views. Visitors can see the Olympic Green area. The Forbidden City and other sights of central Beijing are also visible.