# Scaly Silver Skyscrapers Addis Ababa United Bank Pierces the Clouds with Sharp Squamous Cladding By Amelia Roblin | Published 2013-03-20 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/addis-ababa-united-bank References: [plusmood](http://plusmood.com/2013/03/united-bank-soehne-partner-architects/) & [soehnepartner](http://www.soehnepartner.com/en/home) Living up to its classification as a sky-scraper, the Addis Ababa United Bank seems to scratch the soft surface of the atmosphere with its glass shard fenestration that takes on the appearance of scales. Proposed by Söhne & Partner Architekten for the Ethiopian capital, this structure would easily tower over its surrounding urban fabric. Designed in collaboration with BET Architects, this project would house a public branch of the financial establishment on the ground floor, providing easy access for pedestrians approaching from the sidewalk or the landscaped plaza. Fountains and trees would lure passers-by beneath a sheltering [gold-clad mass](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skylab) that features an enormous circular skylight and a [rooftop garden](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-sobha-skyparks). Shopping would be located at street level of the Addis Ababa United Bank and only employees would be able to look out from the impressive [diamond-shaped windows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/villa-miami) that cover the high-rise. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 9% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Scaly Architectural Facades:** Architectural firms can experiment with scale-like facades to create visually striking and unique buildings. - **Public Financial Establishments:** Financial institutions can increase their accessibility and visibility by considering public branches within high-traffic areas like plazas and public parks. - **Mixed-use High-rises:** Designers can incorporate mixed-use spaces like shopping areas and rooftop gardens to create more dynamic high-rise structures. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture and Design:** Architectural firms can implement innovative and visually compelling facades and building designs to stand out in the crowded construction industry. - **Banking and Finance:** Financial institutions can increase their reach and accessibility by considering public branches and experimenting with unique building designs that cater to their customers. - **Real Estate and Property Development:** Developers can create more desirable properties by incorporating mixed-use spaces and unique architectural designs that cater to the modern and diverse needs of tenants. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ski Resort Crystalline Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trojena-ski-resort.md) - [Sustainable Green-Integrated Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sudameris-plaza.md) - [Porcelain-Clad Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selldorf-architects.md) - [Staggered Cubic Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ooda.md) - [Gracefully Dynamic Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bond-tower.md) - [Lotus Plant-Inspired Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/one-future.md) - [Glass-Clad Stacked Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/505-state-street.md) - [Elevated Garden-Filled Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cloud-11.md) - [Glass Facade Premium Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/henderson-office.md)