# Checkered Concrete Banks 'Banque Libano Francaise' has a Checkerboard Facade and Built-In Gardens By Joey Haar | Published 2016-08-09 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banque-libano-francaise References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2016/08/09/snohetta-bank-beirut-lebanon-banque-libano-francaise/) & [eblf](http://www.eblf.com/en/News-BLF-New-Headquarters-By-Snohetta) Though Monopoly should be the number one game for bankers, the new design for the Banque Libano Francaise building will convert the local Beirut bankers into [checkers players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chess-nyc). Conceived by Norwegian design and architecture firm [Snohetta](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/powell-hall), the building's facade is covered in [tessellating concrete cubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ndarja), giving it the appearance of a checkerboard. The checkerboard pattern is visually appealing from the outside, but it also creates an aesthetically appealing effect inside the building. Rather than the empty sections of the concrete being filled with opaque material, they are left open as windows. Thus, the walls inside the Banque Libano Francaise are also checked, giving workers a unique view of the city below. Gardens also grace the building in cut-out sections around the middle and atop the roof. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 52% | 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 - **Checkered Concrete Facades:** Utilizing checkerboard patterns on concrete facades can create visually appealing and unique architectural designs. - **Transparent Interior Walls:** Incorporating open windows in concrete walls can provide workers with unique views and natural lighting inside buildings. - **Integration of Gardens in Buildings:** Integrating gardens in cut-out sections of buildings can provide green spaces in urban environments. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture and Design:** Architects can explore innovative ways to incorporate checkerboard patterns and gardens in their building designs. - **Banking and Financial Services:** Banks can consider implementing unique and visually appealing designs, like checkerboard facades, to create a memorable and distinctive brand image. - **Urban Planning and Development:** Urban planners can explore the integration of gardens in buildings as a way to enhance green spaces and improve the quality of urban environments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Brutalist Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mohmaya.md) - [Board Game-Inspired Show Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pompidou-show.md) - [Rejuvenated Former Bank Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/former-bank-building.md) - [Clear Glazing Compact Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/check-patterned-house.md) - [Incredibly Elegant Chess Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elevated-chess-set.md) - [Building Block Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-tower-chess-set.md) - [Architecturally Inspired Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baku-chess-set.md) - [Chequered Garden Tea Rooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rashid-ali.md) - [Staggered Cubic Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ooda.md)