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Digital Beijing

Architectural Model
2004-2007 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Studio Pei-Zhu is a young architecture practice based in Beijing. Together with the Urbanus design studio (also based in Beijing) they won an international competition to design the communication and information centre for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Studio Pei-Zhu are currently also designing a Guggenheim Art Pavilion in Abu Dhabi.

Alongside the Aquatics Centre (designed by PTW Architects) and the Olympic Stadium (designed by Herzog & De Meuron) the Digital Beijing building was one of the most high- profile and recognisable architectural projects of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This particular project, however, is a valuable example, as it was one of the few building commissions associated with the Beijing Olympics given to a Chinese design practice, and is therefore an important illustration of contemporary Chinese built design. Intended as a symbol of technology, the 57m high reinforced concrete structure offers northern and southern side elevations which represent barcodes. Meanwhile, the western and eastern facades replicate the look of an integrated circuit board.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleDigital Beijing
Materials and techniques
Wood, ply board cladding and Plexiglas
Brief description
Architectural model of Digital Beijing by Zhu Pei Urbanus, 2004-2007
Physical description
Architectural model for the Digital Beijing Building.
Dimensions
  • Height: 53cm
  • Width: 72cm
  • Depth: 70cm
Subject depicted
Association
Summary
Studio Pei-Zhu is a young architecture practice based in Beijing. Together with the Urbanus design studio (also based in Beijing) they won an international competition to design the communication and information centre for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Studio Pei-Zhu are currently also designing a Guggenheim Art Pavilion in Abu Dhabi.

Alongside the Aquatics Centre (designed by PTW Architects) and the Olympic Stadium (designed by Herzog & De Meuron) the Digital Beijing building was one of the most high- profile and recognisable architectural projects of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This particular project, however, is a valuable example, as it was one of the few building commissions associated with the Beijing Olympics given to a Chinese design practice, and is therefore an important illustration of contemporary Chinese built design. Intended as a symbol of technology, the 57m high reinforced concrete structure offers northern and southern side elevations which represent barcodes. Meanwhile, the western and eastern facades replicate the look of an integrated circuit board.
Collection
Accession number
E.21-2015

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Record createdFebruary 10, 2015
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