The unique architectural style of the National Stadium -- dubbed the Bird's Nest because of its appearance -- will play an important role in the visual effect of Olympic ceremonies to be held there, artists say.

"The Bird's Nest is very special, but at the same time poses a challenge for us," Zhang Yimou, chief director of the Olympic ceremonies, was quoted by the official website of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) as saying.

"During the opening ceremony, the appearance of the stadium will play an important part in the whole aerial scenery shot from helicopters. It will be remembered as a special scene for a long time," he said.

The stadium, which will be completed by March, is the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies for both the 2008 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

"We won't waste the unique beauty of the stadium. Artistic performance will be combined with the architectural characteristics in all the four ceremonies," Zhang said.

There are other challenges, too, with the shape of the structure.

The half roof of the stadium will make it difficult for both the spectators inside and the aerial TV crews to see the grand fireworks during the ceremonies.

"One plan is not enough. We have to work out two plans for visualization both inside and outside," said Cai Guoqiang, who is in charge of visual effects.

(China Daily August 10, 2007)