The Water Cube National Aquatics Center swimming arena in the Olympic Park, Beijing, China, Asia

The Water Cube National Aquatics Center swimming arena in the Olympic Park, Beijing, China, Asia

The Water Cube National Aquatics Center swimming arena in the Olympic Park, Beijing, China, Asia

The Water Cube National Aquatics Center swimming arena and National Stadium at the Olympic Park, Beijing, China, Asia

The Water Cube National Aquatics Center swimming arena and National Stadium at the Olympic Park, Beijing, China, Asia

The Water Cube National Aquatics Center swimming arena and National Stadium in the Olympic Park, Beijing, China, Asia

The Water Cube National Aquatics Center swimming arena in the Olympic Park, Beijing, China, Asia

The Water Cube National Aquatics Center swimming arena in the Olympic Park, Beijing, China, Asia

The Water Cube National Aquatics Center swimming arena and National Stadium at the Olympic Park, Beijing, China, Asia

The Water Cube National Aquatics Center swimming arena and National Stadium at the Olympic Park, Beijing, China, Asia

View of swans and ducks with colourful buildings and city skyline in background in the city centre of Reykjavik in winter, Reykjavik, Iceland

View of swans and ducks with Iceland model building in the city centre of Reykjavik in winter, Reykjavik, Iceland

View of swans and ducks with City Hall in background in the city centre of Reykjavik at dusk in winter, Reykjavik, Iceland

View of swans and ducks with colourful buildings and city skyline in background in the city centre of Reykjavik in winter, Reykjavik, Iceland

View of waterfront buildings and City Hall in background in the city centre of Reykjavik at dusk in winter, Reykjavik, Iceland

View of swans and ducks with City Hall in background in the city centre of Reykjavik at dusk in winter, Reykjavik, Iceland

Pangu Plaza, Beijing's most expensive luxury apartment which overlooks the Watercube National Aquatics Swimming Center and Olympic Park, Beijing, China, Asia

Night view of the Water Cube National Aquatics Center on the Olympic Green, Beijng, China, Asia

Looking out to the Water Cube National Aquatics Center from The Birds Nest National Stadium designed by Herzog and de Meuren in the Olympic Green, Beijing, China, Asia

National Aquatics Center, The Water Cube, built for the 2008 Olympics, Beijing, China, Asia

National Aquatics Center, The Water Cube, built for the 2008 Olympics, Beijing, China, Asia

National Aquatics Center, The Water Cube, built for the 2008 Olympics, Beijing, China, Asia

National Aquatics Center, The Water Cube, built for the 2008 Olympics, Beijing, China, Asia

National Aquatics Center (The Water Cube), built for the 2008 Olympics, Beijing, China, Asia

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.

Detail of the center branching arms of a Crinoid or Feather Star (Lamprometra klunzingeri) open and feeding on plankton at night, Philippines