# Domed Shell Structures The Pathe Foundation Building Structure Merges Modern and Historical Design By M | Published 2014-09-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Building-structure References: [thisiscolossal](http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2014/06/the-new-pathe-foundation-headquarters-by-renzo-piano-squeezed-into-a-city-block-in-paris/) & [fondation-jeromeseydoux-pathe](http://fondation-jeromeseydoux-pathe.com/) Designer Renzo Piano's eight year task of redesigning the location of the [Pathe Foundation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/path-caf) in Paris has finally come to an end with a rather unusual building structure that replicates the curved aesthetic of seashell. The design of the new Pathe Foundation creatively brings together modern and historical design. Piano was tasked with designing a building for the Pathe Foundation that would work in the tight space of a historical Parisian neighborhood. Piano created a building made from large silver panels stacked together to create a large protruding dome. The [curved facade](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/architecture-building-culture) of the building looks like a spiraled seashell that gives the structure's interior a [beautiful glass ceiling](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diller-scofidio-renfro2). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Domed Shell Structures:** This trend represents an opportunity for architects and designers to merge modern and historical design elements in innovative ways. - **Curved Facades:** This trend offers architects the chance to create visually striking buildings that incorporate natural and organic shapes. - **Glass Ceilings:** This trend presents an opportunity for architects and engineers to experiment with new materials and techniques for creating stunning transparent ceilings. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Architects can explore new possibilities for building design by incorporating domed shell structures and curved facades into their projects. - **Construction:** The construction industry can seize the opportunity to develop new methods and technologies for building domed shell structures with curved facades. - **Interior Design:** Interior designers can leverage the trend of glass ceilings to create unique and visually engaging spaces with natural light. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Oyster-Shell Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-pier-pavilion.md) - [Organic Spiral Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pasona-natureverse-pavilion.md) - [Wave-Inspired Civic Halls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sail-congress-centre.md) - [Pyramid-Roof Glass Greenhouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-pavilion.md) - [Floating Opera Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/isola-della-musica.md) - [Curved Facade Canadian Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/architecture-building-culture.md) - [Stacked Pebble-Inspired Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calais-port-tower.md) - [Lakeside Cultural Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/isola-della-mus.md) - [Vaulted Glass Structure Additions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/domino-sugar-refinery.md)