# Circus-Inspired Architecture This Circus Arts Facility Puts a Modern Twist on the Big Top By Ell Smith | Published 2017-05-17 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/circus-inspired-architecture References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2017/05/16/big-top-tents-inform-circus-conservatory-building-america-first-degree-programme-howeler-yoon-ofis-arhitekti/) & [howeleryoon](http://www.howeleryoon.com/) Portland, Maine will be home to gorgeous circus-inspired architecture with the development of the [performance and educational facility](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/take-a-bow-centre) for the circus arts, which will house America's first accredited degree program in circus arts. The design of the [Circus Conservatory](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cirk) draws inspiration from the [iconic rounded traveling circus tents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deya-day-care), which serve as a reminder of the art form's roots. Filled with classrooms, practice rooms, a library, a media center and administrative space, this building takes a more conventional and modern approach to circus designs, which are typically regarded as elaborate and unorthodox. The facility, which is a hybrid space landing somewhere between a performance and an educational facility, will feature "a white, diaphanous building that is roughly circular in plan. A portion of the sculptural building is elevated off the ground by tall, slender columns." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 20% | Activity: 5% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Circus-inspired Architecture:** There's an opportunity to further modernize conventional circus designs in real estate development. - **Hybrid Performance-education Spaces:** Creating unique spaces that serve both performers and students can encourage new and diverse audiences to engage with art forms. - **Accredited Degree Programs in Emerging Art Forms:** Developing formalized education programs for emerging art forms opens up opportunities for personal and professional growth for enthusiasts and practitioners. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Real Estate Development:** Incorporating innovative architecture inspired by unconventional art forms can bring a unique and experiential element to new developments. - **Performing Arts Education:** Offering dual spaces for learning and performance creates new opportunities for arts education and expanding outreach to new students. - **Alternative Arts Education:** Degree programs for emerging or unconventional art forms, such as circus arts, present new education and career pathways for those interested in expanding their skill sets. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Rink-Turned Creative Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorado-college-honnen-arts-hub.md) - [Airborne Concert Halls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arka-nova.md) - [Building-Transformed Vibrant Preschools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/corona-3k-center.md) - [Bold Performance Pavilion Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/what-goes-around-bandstand.md) - [Wave-Like Structural Art Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zibo-oct.md) - [Inflated Design Classroom Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intermittent-dome.md) - [Arched Garden-Topped Cultural Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hengqin-culture-and-art-complex.md) - [Ring-Shaped Open-Air Amphitheaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luhu-ring-of-starlight.md) - [Traditional Sustainable School Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universidad-ean-1.md)