# Structural Illumination Seeking to draw attention, structures turn to bright neon aesthetics. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Aug 5, 2014 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/structural-illumination ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.6/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## What is the Structural Illumination trend? **Structural Illumination:** Going beyond architectural form and design, buildings are incorporating brazen neon colors to create a lasting visual impression. Using methods of illumination to bring typically mundane structures to life, these grandiose neon aesthetics reflect a blatant desire to deviate from the norm. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 7, 2012 to Jun 20, 2014 - Published: Aug 5, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Structural Illumination trend ### Neon Aesthetics As buildings incorporate bright neon colors to create a lasting visual impression, there are many opportunities for architectural design that incorporate these bold neon aesthetics. ### Color-Changing Lighting Large light-up windows that change color are a way to make architecture look exciting and lively, and there is an opportunity for innovators to design energy-efficient and visually stunning buildings that incorporate this technology. ### Playable Architecture The world's largest playable Rubik's Cube and other similar structures demonstrate that architecture and entertainment can intersect in unexpected ways, which present an opportunity for innovators to create new immersive experiences in public spaces. ## What the Structural Illumination trend means for industry ### For Architecture Incorporating neon colors, color-changing lighting, and playable features into architectural design is a way to make buildings stand out and attract more attention. ### For Entertainment Architecture that incorporates entertainment elements such as playable features and color-changing lighting can provide new experiences for visitors, which can inspire further innovations in the entertainment industry. ### For Sustainability Innovations in energy-efficient lighting technologies and the use of sustainable and lightweight materials in architectural design can offer a more eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for building design and construction. ## Trend signals for Structural Illumination Trend score 3.6 out of 10, from popularity 47%, activity 54%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 47% - Activity: 54% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Structural Illumination trend 8 featured examples from Aug 7, 2012 to Jun 20, 2014. - [Futuristic Drug Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lordelo-pharmacy): The Lordelo Pharmacy Boasts a Bright Green Beacon (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Pharmaceutical retailers can embrace futuristic designs and aesthetics to revolutionize the traditional pharmacy experience and attract a modern customer base. - [Color-Changing Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-up-windows): This Building in Seoul has Light Up Windows That Change Color (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for architecture firms to incorporate innovative technology and design into building projects. - [Colorfully Illuminated Overpasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-bridge): The Rainbow Bridge Glows Whimsically in the Night (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for architects and urban planners to integrate colorful illumination into their designs and create unique landmarks. - [LED Honeycomb Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chris-knapp): Chris Knapp's Cellular Tessellation Installation is Fuelled by Geometry (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities for artists and designers to push the boundaries of traditional art mediums and create dynamic and interactive installations. - [Color-Changeing LED Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-vitrine-culturelle): The La Vitrine Culturelle Embodies an Urban Spirit (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The color-changing LED technology can revolutionize the way architects design and create visual experiences in their structures. - [Neon Housing Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shelter-island-house): The Shelter Island House by Stamberg Aferiat and Associates is Vividly Bold (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Architects can explore and incorporate vivid and bold designs in their architectural projects. - [Illuminated Atomic Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sol-dome): SOL Dome is a Remarkably Lightweight Structure that Alights at Night (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity in the architecture field to create lightweight structures with geodesic frameworks like the SOL Dome. - [Massive Puzzle Block Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ars-electronic-building): The Ars Electronic Building is a Playable Rubiks Cube (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The architecture industry can explore the use of large puzzle structures in buildings to create unique and engaging experiences for visitors. ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)