Ideas
Explore the world's #1 largest database of ideas and innovations, with 462,330 inspiring examples.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,242 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 320,986 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Consumer Insights
Uncover major shifts and emerging opportunities with our exclusive PRO research.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,242 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 320,986 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Trend Reports
Get fast, customized trend reports, presentations and deep dives 20x faster than traditional research.
Plans
Get started today with a free consultation, our self-serve tools, or a dedicated program.
Articles & Magazine
Get inspired with our 4,213 innovation strategy articles, keynote, videos and innovation tools.
Innovation Awards
Trend Hunter’s Innovation Strategy Awards recognize the best innovation tactics gathered from our interviews with some of the world's most notable business leaders, authors and change makers.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Innovation Assessment
Enhance your innovation potential with a deeper understanding of your unique innovation archetype and how your organization benchmarks.
FuturistU
Prepare for the years ahead with 100+ lessons, tactics, tools and frameworks with our full learning database.
Innovation Books
Join 20,000,000 people getting better and faster with our New York Times Bestselling books and keynote videos.
Jeremy Gutsche
Ignite your event or virtual event with our CEO, a NY Times Bestselling Author and one of the top innovation keynote speakers.
Our Team of Speakers & Virtual Presenters
Inspire your group with our most popular speakers on innovation, trends, change and futurism.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Custom Masterclasses
Join the world's leading brands who leverage our custom programs to accelerate innovation.
FuturistU 5-Day Program
Become a Futurist with our immersive 5-Day program at Future Festival World Summit.
Online eLearning
Learn the fundamentals of futurism and trends with 100+ online courses about innovation.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Contact
Get in touch to learn more, ask a question or submit a tip.
About Us
Learn more about Trend Hunter and how we accelerate innovation.
Follow-Us
Join our 3,500,000 social media followers, on the cutting edge.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
FAQ
Get answers to common questions about Trend Hunter.
Community
Stay on the cutting-edge with the help of the Trend Hunter community.
Team
Meet the team trusted by hundreds of leading businesses worldwide.
Jobs
Find opportunities to accelerate your career with the #1 Trend Firm.
News
Catch up on noteworthy Trend Hunter news and media mentions.
Join
Build a portfolio and put your trend-spotting abilities to the test.
Advertising
Supercharge your marketing by partnering with Trend Hunter.
Portfolio
Visit your public portfolio and browse your past articles.
Add a Trend
Write up an article and showcase your trend-spotting skills.
My Trends
Edit your articles and see how they stack up on the leaderboards.
Settings
Edit your profile, connect your social media accounts, and more.
Add a trend, customize your dashboard, or track topics.
Future Festival
Innovation Events
Join the world's top innovators at our in person events.
Free Webinars
Learn to innovate through chaos, navigate the new normal and maintain work culture from home.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Search our database of 462,330 cutting edge ideas.

Ancient Glassware-Inspired Towers

Liu Xisang Designed a Conical Skyscraper in Downtown Shaoxing

— January 14, 2014 — Art & Design
As part of the modern business center plan designed by SOM, China based architect Liu Xisang has recently constructed conical shaped skyscraper in downtown Shaoxing in the Zhejiang province in China. The 137 meter skystructure was inspired by Jiu Zun which are ancient wine glasses, a symbol of the area.

The facade of the building is composed of four layers where the building's first 18 levels slant inward at an angle with the high levels angled forwards. As the structure rises, the structure folds inwards, becoming smaller.

The bottom half of the tower is used for commericial purposes and the higher levels are used for government offices and private corporations. To separate the two levels, there are two separate entrances; one on the south side and one at the north side.
Trend Themes
1. Conical Skyscrapers - Architects can look to creating conical or non-traditional shaped skyscrapers for inspiration from ancient glassware.
2. Folding Structures - Designers can incorporate inward folding structures as part of their building design process, creating unique shapes and privacy options within the tower.
3. Mixed-use Buildings - Developers can consider designing buildings that cater to multiple needs, such as commercial and government offices, to maximize functionality and profitability.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architects can apply ancient design elements to modern structures to create unique and visually striking buildings.
2. Real Estate - Real estate developers can build mixed-use buildings to cater to the needs of multiple businesses and industries in one structure.
3. Construction - Construction companies can explore innovative building techniques and materials to bring unique designs to life, such as inward folding structures.
0.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness