CHINA/Beijing/National Aquatic Center/17June2008:A soldier stands guard outside the National Aquatic Center at night. Designed by Australia's PTW Architects, its facade appearing as a cube of soap bubbles, it seats 17,000 people. The exterior is made from a high-tech lightweight translucent plastic that is also very energy efficient in saving an estimated 30% in power consumption by comparison to a traditional design. It houses 5 pools - one able to create it's own waves. It's outer surface looks like soap bubbles. It will host all swimming and diving events at the 2008 Olympics.

2008 olympics high technology modern architecture architecture chinese ethnicity adult male color horizontal outdoors night illumination soap cube soldier guard bubbles pool china beijing national aquatic center swimming blue olympics one person travelcollection