# Sculptural Hermit Crab Shells Artist Aki Inomata Creates Shelters Inspired by Urban Architecture By Meghan Young | Published 2013-07-25 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aki-inomata References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2013/07/hermit-crab-houses-city-sculptures.html) & [aki-inomata](http://www.aki-inomata.com/works/hermit/) Hermit crabs are becoming well known for their interesting choices in shelters as littering increases and natural shells decrease; artist Aki Inomata capitalizes on this by creating a series of [strikingly sculptural homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/espacio-18-arquitectura) for them. Modelled after [modern urban architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grayhus), Aki Inomata's hermit crab shells are a far cry from what they are used to donning. As though creating a bunch of ghostly mini cities, Aki Inomata uses [semi-transparent plastic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-hardware) to create her art pieces. Inspired by major cities such as Paris, New York and Tokyo, Aki Inomata likens the hermit crabs to the people who reside in such locations. PSFK writes, "The hermit crabs, although having the same body, change appearances when they transfer to a new shell or shelter. In the same way, people adapt when they relocate." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Sculptural Shelter Design:** Opportunity for architects and designers to create visually striking shelters that cater to the needs of animals and insects. - **Environmental Adaptation Art:** Artists can explore the concept of environmental adaptation through the creation of unique artworks inspired by nature and urban environments. - **Sustainability in Animal Shelters:** Potential for innovators to develop sustainable and eco-friendly shelters for animals, addressing the challenges caused by decreasing natural shelters. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Architects can embrace the opportunity to design unconventional shelters that provide both functionality and aesthetic appeal for animals and insects. - **Art:** Artists can experiment with incorporating environmental concepts into their artwork, exploring the relationship between nature, animals, and human urban environments. - **Animal Welfare:** Organizations and entrepreneurs in the animal welfare industry can focus on developing sustainable and innovative solutions for animals facing habitat challenges, such as hermit crabs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Scallop Shell-Constructed Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shellmet.md) - [Oceanic Recycled Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shellmet-helmet.md) - [Shell-Like Structural Wall Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barnacle-wall-sconce.md) - [Discarded Shell-Based Lighting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fragmentos-de-mar.md) - [Aquatic Beverage Coasters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crab-inspired-coasters.md) - [Biology-Inspired Porcelain Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shiyuan-xu.md) - [Seashell-Inspired Chair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/traditional-and-digital-techniques.md) - [Crab-Like Coastal Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/espacio-18-arquitectura.md) - [Fish Tank-Inspired Japanese Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nao-iwanari.md)