A number of exiting structures were built in connection with the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, which define the current state-of-the-art structural design and construction. Details of four of the iconic structures, designed and detailed by Ove
Arup & Partners, are given. Greater attention was given to earthquake resistance, fire resistance and safety. It is also gratifying to note that ustainability issues were also considered by the architects to reduce the energy needs of these structures. However it is ironic that several poor people living at the location of these venues before their construction were forcefully evacuated without much compensation and that China had to shut
down polluting factories, halt construction projects, and curtailed traffic during and before the Olympic Games in order to reduce the air pollution around these venues.