# Lace-Swathed Skyscrapers The Burj Doha is Cloaked in an Exquisite Lattice of Ionic Islamic Designs By Amelia Roblin | Published 2013-10-02 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burj-doha References: [evolo.us](http://www.evolo.us/architecture/burj-doha-skyscraper-by-jean-nouvel-becomes-the-skyline-icon-of-doha-qatar/) & [jeannouvel](http://www.jeannouvel.com/) The sheer scale of the Burj Doha might skew your perspective of the building, but be sure to look closely at the details of the project's facade. You'll see that what gives the structure its textural silver skin is in fact an intricate screen of [arabesque motifs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muqarnas-pavilion). Located in Qatar, the edifice takes a prominent cylindrical shape with a smooth dome at its crown. Jean Nouvel certainly did a fascinating job creating a hybrid of the [Western International Style](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/il-bracco) and the artistic approach of the Middle East. The product is a staggering 46-floor tower with physical features that are unexpectedly subtle. The view from every level of the Burj Doha exposes its complex geometric motif that serves a purpose other than an aesthetic one. The [office tower](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sophisticated-government-office) employs this screen as a massive brise soleil to shade the rooms from harsh direct sunlight. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Arabesque Motifs in Architecture:** Opportunity to incorporate traditional Islamic design elements into modern architecture. - **Hybrid Architectural Styles:** Chance to blend different architectural styles to create unique and visually stunning buildings. - **Functional Facade Designs:** Potential to utilize building exteriors for more than just aesthetics, such as sun shading. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** Incorporating traditional and modern design elements to create visually striking buildings. - **Construction:** Opportunity to explore and implement innovative facade designs that serve functional purposes. - **Interior Design:** Creating interior spaces that are enhanced by the unique exterior features of a building. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Rippled Facade Luxe Retailers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dior-store-2.md) - [Eco-Conscious Slim Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muraba-veil.md) - [Gracefully Dynamic Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bond-tower.md) - [Beautifully Sculptural Concrete Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lusail-museum.md) - [Ski Resort Crystalline Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trojena-ski-resort.md) - [Diamond-Inspired Luxe Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/villa-miami.md) - [Feminine Silhouette Tall Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/telus-sky-tower.md) - [Highway-Side Narrow Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muraba-veil-skyscraper.md) - [Climate-Sensitive Pavilion Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/querkraft.md)