# Braille-Inspired Buildings The Chrome Hotel Facade is Punctuated With Many Holes By Katherinev123 | Published 2009-11-18 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chrome-hotel References: [architecture-view](http://www.architecture-view.com/2010/01/20/chrome-hotels-swiss/) & [sanjaypuriarchitects](http://www.sanjaypuriarchitects.com/) Call it Swiss cheese or polka dots—however you describe the exterior of the Chrome Hotel, it boils down to this: it has a lot of holes. But those holes have a purpose. The designers at [Sanjay Puri Architect](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prestige-university1) punctuated the facade with holes to allow natural light to stream into the building. While this minimizes the costs of air conditioning—about 25%—the punctuated facade also creates a unique night look when the holes are backlit by LED lights. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Braille-inspired Design:** The concept of using holes/punctuations in building's facade can create visually interesting patterns with functional benefits. - **Sustainable Architecture:** Using holes in building design like in Chrome hotel, can minimize energy cost while introducing natural light inside the structure. - **Interactive Exterior Design:** Integrating LED lighting with the building's facade can create a beautiful illuminated effect that can change based on time of day or special occasions. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** There is a new opportunity for architects to explore innovative exterior design solutions that offer both beauty and function at lowest cost possible. - **Construction:** By integrating proper lighting with holes/punctuations, the construction industry can create visually stunning buildings that are unique and functional. - **Energy Efficiency:** The energy industry can find opportunities to promote natural lighting installations that provide cost savings to building owners and reduce energy consumption across the country. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Metal Sheet-Facade Book Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shanghai-book-city.md) - [Perforated Facade Compact Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/porous-adobe.md) - [Perforated Brickwork Office Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premier-office.md) - [Steel Facade-Wrapped Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bomun-house.md) - [Brutalist Hotel Transformation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fairmont-golden-prague.md) - [Perforated Facade Urban Home](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/veil-house.md) - [Sculptural Facade Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fractal-facade-house.md) - [Brutalist Artful Hotel Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoxton-charlottenburg.md) - [Sculptural Concrete Hotel Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sleeping-lab.md)