Beijing Olympics: Then and Now

In addition to my previously linked stories (1 & 2) regarding the dismal state of the once lauded buildings of the Beijing Olympics, Yahoo has put together a before and after gallery showing various 2008 Beijing Olympic venues.

With the London Olympics right around the corner, I think it makes sense to reflect on how the previous summer Olympics venues have fared in the four years since their premier showing. Time has not been kind to these buildings, yet four years ago we were told during Olympic coverage that these were among the greatest structures modern architecture had conjured up. I distinctly remember a lot of press about these buildings, particularly the Bird’s Nest Stadium and the Water Cube as they became icons of the events held inside. Somehow, the summer Olympics has become a showcase for modern architecture and modern architects have responded with iconic structures that have failed to remain useful beyond the few weeks of the games. It is the responsibility of all involved, the architect, the master planner, the Olympic organization, and the host city, to create a system that provides exceptional venues for the Olympic games AND provides a useful benefit to the community beyond the Olympic games. In Beijing, that effort failed. I only hope that London can fare better.

In the coming weeks we will inevitably hear about the new jewels of modern Olympic architecture as the London venues become synonymous with the events they house. As we focus on the new, we should remember the fate of the old. We should hope that London has done a better job of integrating the Olympic venues into the fabric of the city in a way that will bring lasting value to the city and prove useful beyond the Olympic games.