Beijing 2008 - Natural lighting and safety through 'super skylight' of Laoshan Velodrome

(BEIJING, November 6) -- At Laoshan Velodrome, a "super skylight" 56 meters in diameter rises 33 meters overhead. The skylight is fitted with double-layer polycarbonate panels to let in ample amounts of natural light into the building -- enough to light the building for everyday purposes.

The polycarbonate skylight also works to refract light. This property will be extremely useful come next August, when Beijing's blazing sun will be shining at full capacity.

Track cyclists competing at the velodrome will be cycling at speeds up to 85 km/h, so having the sun in their eyes could potentially be dangerous. But no stray light rays will be able to enter through the skylight, so cyclists won't have to worry.

In addition, the skylight can help ventilate the building. Up to 240 sq m of the skylight can open to let in fresh air. In case of a fire emergency, the skylight "windows" will automatically open to let out smoke.