# Alternating Brick Facades 'Akasaka Brick Residence' Uses a Recursive Design By Joey Haar | Published 2017-12-19 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/akasaka-brick-residence References: [archdaily](https://www.archdaily.com/885364/akasaka-brick-residence-kino-architects) & [masahirokinoshita](http://www.masahirokinoshita.com/) 'Akasaka Brick Residence', an [apartment building in Tokyo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/residential-project-in-tokyo), has a unique design that hides a subtle bit of recursion. The building features balcony facades covered by an enmeshed [red brick pattern](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terracotta-breath), but those patterns then collect into alternating sections of bricks and open space, meaning that the building incorporates the same pattern on both a micro and a macro level. The clever, [recursive design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fractal-facade-house) comes from KINO Architects, a local Japanese studio. According to the studio, the bricks also represent a form of the curtains that Tokyo renters typically use to separate themselves from the outside environment. Beyond the symbolic meanings behind the design, Akasaka Brick Residence's facade serves as a convenient way to suck up heat during the hot, humid summers in Tokyo while storing and releasing that excess heat during the cooler evenings. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 66% | Activity: 34% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Recursive Design:** The trend of using recursive designs in architecture presents opportunities for creating visually striking and unique buildings. - **Balcony Facades:** The trend of incorporating balcony facades into building designs opens up opportunities for maximizing outdoor space and creating aesthetic harmony. - **Heat Capture Technology:** The trend of integrating heat capture technology into building facades provides opportunities for energy efficiency and climate control. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** Architectural firms can capitalize on the trend of using recursive designs and balcony facades to offer innovative and visually appealing building designs. - **Construction:** The construction industry can leverage the trend of incorporating heat capture technology into building facades to provide energy-efficient and sustainable building solutions. - **Real Estate:** Real estate developers can take advantage of the trend of using balcony facades to enhance the desirability and aesthetics of residential and commercial properties. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Compact Calming Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-sheltered-space.md) - [Concrete Block-Formed Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blockwall-house.md) - [Residential Tower Textured Facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/belden-brick.md) - [Multigenerational Brick Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terracotta-breath-house.md) - [Concrete Boxes-Overlapping Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-tsurumiku.md) - [Personality-Reflecting Brick Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-cantellano.md) - [Office Building Rainbow Facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vertical-rainbow-office.md) - [Minimalist Concrete Complexes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/residential-project-in-tokyo.md) - [Precast Brick Facade Housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cosway-street.md)