http://images.beijing2008.cn/20080522/Img214372218.jpgOn December 28, 2004, National Stadium construction formally began again, a year after the project officially broke ground on December 24, 2003, and five months after a temporary suspension of work, officially ordered at the end of July. In order to implement developments in scientific knowledge, new adjustments which would assure "safety, quality, function, deadline, and cost" were necessary. The concepts of a "Green Olympics," a "Hi-tech Olympics," and a "People's Olympics" were also integrated into the new plans.
By the end of November of this year, design work adjustments were completed. Reevaluation of costs necessitated new planning of the building. In order to maintain the "Bird's Nest" concept, the idea of a retractable roof has been abandoned, reducing the percentage of steel originally needed for that idea by 22.3%. The opening has been enlarged, reducing the membrane structure by 13%. These revisions will still allow the venue to fully meet the needs of the competitions, improving security while at the same time reducing costs.
Currently, the National Stadium project is proceeding according to plans in an active and orderly manner.
