# Glow-in-the-Dark Libraries The Exterior of the Aberdeen University Library Responds to Light By Katherinev123 | Published 2009-09-25 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aberdeen-university-library References: [designscene.net](http://www.designscene.net/2009/09/university-of-aberdeen-new-library-by.html) & [shl.dk](http://www.shl.dk/) If you’re ever in the UK in winter and looking for a library, you’ll be able to spot the Aberdeen University library from miles away. The Aberdeen University library is a large 10-story rectangular tower with a façade that serves as a climate buffer, meaning it changes in response to different qualities and quantities of light, or when images are projected onto it. As DesignScene notes, “it will be visible as a [glowing landmark](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luminescent-bricks).” But its glowing exterior isn’t the only interesting architectural element of the Aberdeen University Library—the interior features a [large, curvilinear opening](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pkinception) that cuts through each level to create a continuous, fluid connection from the floor to the height of the building (see gallery above). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 23% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Responsive Façades:** Architectural trend of using materials that respond to environmental factors to create dynamic building exteriors. - **Immersive Interiors:** Design trend of creating interactive and fluid spaces within buildings through the use of large-scale openings and connections between floors. - **Innovative Landmarks:** Trend of creating visually striking buildings that serve as recognizable landmarks through the use of unique materials and designs. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Opportunities for architects to experiment with innovative materials and designs that respond to changing environmental factors. - **Construction:** Opportunities for builders to incorporate new materials and technologies that create visually striking and dynamic buildings. - **Tourism:** Opportunities for the tourism industry to promote landmarks with unique designs and features that attract visitors seeking immersive experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Revolving Bright Kinetic Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/library-of-light.md) - [Mobile Glass Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-libreria.md) - [Perforated Shadow-Casting Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mariams-library.md) - [Script-Covered Library Facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/far-rockaway-library.md) - [Memory-Grounded School Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rahmah-library.md) - [Temporary Translucent Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-liberia.md) - [Children's Story-Inspired Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/western-academy.md) - [Virtual Library Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-library-at-night.md) - [Wood-Wrapped Contemporary Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graded-school-library.md)