Publications
Publications
- February 2010 (Revised June 2010)
- HBS Case Collection
Arup: Building the Water Cube
By: Robert G. Eccles, Amy C. Edmondson and Dilyana Karadzhova
Abstract
Arup, an engineering firm, collaborated with PTW Architects and China Construction Design Institute to develop a design for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics Aquatics Center design competition. Their winning concept for the Water Cube combined elements of Chinese culture with innovative materials and sustainability requirements. The multidisciplinary and cross-company team, based in Sydney, Australia with counterparts in Beijing, faced project management challenges and cultural differences. The Water Cube became an iconic image during the Olympics, and managers at Arup now wonder how to leverage the impact within the company.
Keywords
Buildings and Facilities; Environmental Sustainability; Design; Construction; Cross-Cultural and Cross-Border Issues; Projects; Groups and Teams; Real Estate Industry; Sports Industry; Beijing; Sydney
Citation
Eccles, Robert G., Amy C. Edmondson, and Dilyana Karadzhova. "Arup: Building the Water Cube." Harvard Business School Case 410-054, February 2010. (Revised June 2010.)
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