The Sinuous Vision of Architect Zaha Hadid

London Aquatics Center, London, scheduled completion 2011
Though some parts of the British press see it as a stingray, water in motion was the obvious inspiration for this building — Hadid's billowing venue for swimming and diving events at London's 2012 Olympics. Escalating cost estimates have made the building controversial, but it promises to be the only distinctive structure the London Olympics will produce.

• 2010 TIME 100
• Thinker: Zaha Hadid