Beijing Workers' Gymnasium

　　In Beijing, when you mention the Workers' Gymnasium, almost everyone knows it. As one of the "Ten Great Buildings" of the 1950s, the Workers' Gymnasium holds many wonderful memories and glorious honors for the people of Beijing. Now, over half a century old, it has become somewhat aged. To prepare for the boxing competitions of the 2008 Olympics, this once world-renowned structure is undergoing renovation and expansion. Before long, it will reappear before the public with a look that is both familiar and unfamiliar.

　　The Workers' Gymnasium project was completed in 1961 and has since been an important venue for large-scale events in the Beijing area. It covers a construction area of about 40,000 square meters, with one underground floor and four floors above ground. Its overall form is circular, with a roof featuring a radial cable-stayed structure spanning 94 meters, making it a classic example of this type of structure. Although it was built quite some time ago, many of its design concepts and structural elements remain iconic. For this reason, the current renovation has preserved the original exterior and structure to the greatest extent possible, only giving them a fresh clean and repaint—even the hollow carvings on the doors have been retained. Even those very familiar with the old Workers' Gymnasium will find it recognizable.

　　The most noticeable change to the Workers' Gymnasium's appearance during this renovation comes from the replacement of its windows. The original windows could no longer meet modern energy-saving and environmental standards, so they have all been replaced with eco-friendly aluminum alloy double-glazed windows. This small change will give the Workers' Gymnasium a slightly more modern and unfamiliar feel.

　　According to the person in charge of the renovation project of the Beijing Urban Construction Group for the Workers' Gymnasium, after the renovation, the Workers' Gymnasium will serve as the venue for boxing competitions during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and judo for the blind during the Paralympics. It will have a total of 12,000 fixed seats and 1,000 temporary seats. Currently, structural reinforcement and functional upgrades are underway for the Workers' Gymnasium, including increasing the diameter of column sections by 10 centimeters, significantly boosting the load-bearing capacity of beams and slabs, fully meeting the needs of sports events.

　　In addition, the Workers' Gymnasium will gain enhanced functionality. In addition to a complete overhaul and upgrade of ventilation, lighting, mechanical and electrical facilities, it will also include 240 press seats, over 30 VIP seats, and a 40-square-meter VIP lounge, making the gymnasium design more user-friendly, safer, and more comfortable.

　　Moreover, according to venue evacuation requirements and the flow management of different groups of people, the Workers' Gymnasium, which originally had only a north gate, east gate, and a small south gate, has added a west gate. During the Olympics, athletes and staff will enter through the west gate, media and VIPs through the small south gate, and spectators through the north and east gates. Additionally, after the demolition of the urban village outside the west side of the venue, a parking lot capable of accommodating 400 cars will be built.

　　From a distance, the Workers' Gymnasium is tightly wrapped in green drapes. It is expected to meet acceptance criteria by the end of July this year, be completed in August, and welcome the "Good Luck Beijing" International Boxing Invitational Tournament in November. By then, a Workers' Gymnasium that looks both familiar and unfamiliar will be presented to the world.