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# Curved Sculptural Skyscrapers
Kengo Kuma Designs the Alberni Residential Skyscraper

By Amy Duong | Published 2023-06-22 | Art & Design
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alberni
References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2023/06/20/kengo-kuma-alberni-curved-skyscraper-vancouver/) & [kkaa.co.jp](https://kkaa.co.jp/en/)

![Curved Sculptural Skyscrapers](https://cdn.trendhunterstatic.com/thumbs/508/alberni.jpeg)

Japanese architectural studio [Kengo Kuma & Associates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yamatani) design the new Alberni, which is a [residential skyscraper with 43 stories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vitra-2). It is located in downtown Vancouver right by the waterfront within the Coal Harbour neighborhood. The structure has a curved look that arches from the street when it rises and then straightened up when it gets closer to the top.

The studio described this as a "Boolean Scoop" which was added to preserve the views along the block and maximize natural light. Studio founder Kengo Kuma tells Dezeen that "The uniformity of Vancouver's skyscraper materiality is both its strength – a characteristic, unified cityscape – and its opportunity to provide something different. Our decisions were less a direct reaction to the ubiquitous glass and more an intent to create a tower whose tall mass was made of smaller pieces, keeping to the [realm of metal and wood](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omer-arbel)."

Image Credit: Kengo Kuma

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 0.8/10
- Popularity: 4% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 16%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Curved Skyscrapers:** Designing skyscrapers with a curved look and unique architectural features.
- **Preservation of Views:** Incorporating design elements to preserve views along the block.
- **Maximizing Natural Light:** Implementing design strategies to maximize the entry of natural light into buildings.

### Where This Applies

- **Architecture:** Opportunity for architects to explore innovative designs for skyscrapers.
- **Construction:** Construction companies can adapt to the demand for unique architectural designs and materials.
- **Real Estate:** Real estate developers can market buildings with curved designs and maximize natural light as unique selling points.

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