# Tube-itecture Architects use cylindrical shapes for a curvier aesthetic. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Feb 28, 2012, updated Apr 4, 2012 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/tube-itecture ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.6/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Tube-itecture trend? **Tube-itecture:** Architects have traditionally used polygonal shapes in building design, creating structures with straight lines and little to no curved surfaces. However, more architects are experimenting with curvilinear shapes -- in particular, cylinders. The tubed shape of a cylinder offers an interesting contrast to the typical cube or rectangular prism, and it may also mean that less material is required (and therefore, less waste) to manipulate into a structure. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 29, 2011 to Feb 20, 2012 - Published: Feb 28, 2012 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Tube-itecture trend ### Curvilinear architecture Architects are experimenting with curvilinear shapes, such as cylinders to offer a contrast to the typical polygonal buildings. ### Modular design Designers are using prefabricated modules to create structures like mountaintop shelters and candy-colored schools that are eco-friendly, cost-effective and innovative. ### Compact living Pop-up homes and cylindrical abodes are being designed to cater to people who want a comfortable living experience while on-the-go in the great outdoors. ## What the Tube-itecture trend means for industry ### For Architecture Architects can explore the concept of curvilinear shapes and modular design to create cost-effective and innovative buildings that are eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. ### For Hospitality Hotels and resorts can use modular design concepts and recycled materials to create eco-friendly and unique sleeping quarters that offer a comfortable and minimalist experience for guests. ### For Disaster relief The concept of compact living and pop-up homes can be adapted to provide temporary shelters in disaster areas that are cost-effective, innovative and efficiently designed to cater to the needs of those affected. ## Trend signals for Tube-itecture Trend score 4.6 out of 10, from popularity 61%, activity 69%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 61% - Activity: 69% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Tube-itecture trend 7 featured examples from Jul 29, 2011 to Feb 20, 2012. - [Candy-Colored Schools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chalmers-campus-lindholmen): The Chalmers Campus Lindholmen Makes Learning Fun (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Architects can utilize dynamic geometries and candy-colored facades to create visually stunning and unique structures. - [Modular Mountaintop Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/living-ecological-alpine-pod): Living Ecological Alpine Pod Provides Comfort without Eco Expense (Category: Eco) Implication: Architects and builders can focus on designing and constructing sustainable buildings that prioritize energy efficiency and employ eco-friendly materials. - [Revolving Cylindrical Abodes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roll-it-experimental-house): The 'Roll It' Experimental House Offers a Fresh Take on Modern Homes (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The construction industry can capitalize on mobile and efficient designs to create homes and buildings that are easy to construct and customize. - [Stacked Barrel Resorts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tubohotel-by-t3arc): The TuboHotel by T3Arc Features a Clever and Inventive Design (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity to create unique and sustainable accommodations with tube-like structures and minimalistic setups. - [Cylindrical Sandbag Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nader-khalili): Nader Khalili's Temporary Earth Shelters are Cheap and Durable (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The construction industry can benefit from incorporating sandbag housing techniques to offer affordable housing solutions to a wider population. - [Cylindrical Pop-Up Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tube4all): ‘The Tube' Provides Compact Living Quarters in the Great Outd (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The outdoor equipment industry can benefit from the demand for portable and lightweight shelter designs like 'The Tube'. - [Extreme Environment Habitats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-refuge-gervasutti): The New Refuge Gervasutti is Designed for Helicopter Operators (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The architecture and design industry can capitalize on the trend of building extreme environment habitats with innovative and efficient designs that incorporate sustainable techno… ## Recent trend clusters - 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