Modern Architecture in Beijing - Part 2

The Water Cube is square, to balance the round Bird Nest
The Water Cube represents Yin (Square), and the Bird Nest represents Yang (Round)

This Beijing Si He Yuan is built with the principle of square to achieve order and stability

The Template of Heaven is Round

There are some ancient Chinese ideas behind the modern buildings in Beijing. Ancient Chinese believe that the sky (heaven) is round and the earth is square. This round-and-square philosophy has been very important in many designs of Chinese architecture.

For instance, square is a traditional shape in Chinese architecture. The Forbidden City was built on a square pattern, so is the configuration of today's Beijing, with the Forbidden City as its center. Square was regarded as a symbol of integrity and regularity. The preference of square reflects the desire of order and norm in ancient Chinese society.

Both square and round are the favored shapes in Chinese culture and they have evolved to represent core culture concepts such as harmony and stability. Both shapes appeared frequently in the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony.

Another important principle is the balance between Yin and Yang. Ancient Chinese believe that harmony is achieved with such balance.

The heaven is Yang, and the earth is Yin, therefore, round represents Yang and square represents Yin. The Water Cube (Yin) is to balance the Bird Nest (Yang).