From Panathenaikon Stadium in Athens, 112 years ago, the Olympic flame is being passed on to the National Stadium in Beijing. For architect Li Xinggang the two landmark buildings are the realization of his dreams.
As the chief architect of China's contribution to the National Stadium, dubbed the "Bird's Nest", Li was present as a torchbearer during the recent handover ceremony at Panathenaikon Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games was held in 1896.
The place has a special significance for him.
"To pass on the torch near Panathenaikon Stadium was very special for me. From the point-of-view of an architect it reflected the basic elements of a stadium, with only stands and a field," Li said. "The design of the Bird's Nest also started from research on the relation between the stands and the track."
A graduate of the School of Architecture of Tianjin University in 1991, Li joined the China Architecture Design and Research Group, the former Architecture Design Institute of the Ministry of Construction. Currently, he is the youngest deputy chief architect of the China Architecture Design and Research Group.
In November 2002, China Architecture Design and Research Group decided to cooperate with Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron to take part in an international competition to design the National Stadium, the main venue for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Li was appointed chief architect of China's contribution to the design process because of his design experience and his ability to work with professionals from different cultures.
In March 2003, their design won the competition.
"We thought that it was such a good, modern design that it would be accepted and liked by Chinese (people)," Li said. "The results from the judging panel, together with the public exhibition and voting, gradually justified our initial thoughts about it. When I got the official document to confirm we won the bid, I had only one feeling: That its fame was merited."
Although the special appearance of the stadium is considered to be a landmark in modern architecture, Li said the design concept was simple.
"Although the Bird's Nest is a new stadium, the design of the stands is very classical, like a bowl," the 39-year-old said. "The shape is in accordance with the sides of a bowl, with lower tiers and higher tiers, and we designed a lattice structure to support it. We got a new design from the essence of a sports stadium."
To mark his contribution, Li was nominated by Lenovo, one of the three sponsors for the Beijing Olympic torch relay, to be one of its torchbearers.
"It was beyond my expectation to pass on the torch in Greece. As a representative of so many people that are working hard on Olympic projects, I felt it was such a great honor to join in such a sacred event. The Olympic flame was passed on by me here and will finally light the main cauldron in the Bird's Nest. It was an important moment in my life."
The Bird's Nest is scheduled to be completed this month.
"Having worked on the stadium for over six years, I look on it like a child who has grown up gradually. It's an unforgettable experience for me."
"Many people by now have seen its outward appearance, but if you want to experience its real charm you have to go inside. I believe all the spectators and athletes will appreciate it very much when the competitions start."
Li will have a hand in making sure everything goes well.
"I have no idea of the exact role I will take during the Games, but I aim to ensure it runs smoothly," he said.
The first test event is scheduled for April 18 and one of the tracks will be used for the race walking competitions. The whole project is expected to completed within this month with more work are still being done for the opening ceremony.
