# Ice-Age Superstructures Herzog & De Meuron's Elbe Philharmonic Hall By Meghan Young | Published 2009-09-08 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elbe-philharmonic-hall References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/9/view/7509/herzog-de-meuron-elbe-philharmonic-hall-in-hamburg.html) & [designbuild-network](http://www.designbuild-network.com/projects/elbe-philharmonic/) If some say the world will end in fire, Herzog and De Meuron say it will flourish in ice, starting with the Elbe Philharmonic Hall in Hamburg, Germany. This Siberian-esque superstructure, constructed of [glassy arctic waves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/helsinki-design-and-architecture-museum) and anchored by brick, is Herzog and De Meuron’s latest design, in conjunction with Höhler and Werner Kallmorgen. Not only will it be the icy domain of [two concert halls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arka-nova), the Elbe Philharmonic Hall will also house a 5 star hotel and apartments. By the time this building is completed, I wouldn’t be surprised if another ice-age does befall us. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 88% | Activity: 47% | 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) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [Hip Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/hiphotels) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Arctic Architecture:** Exploring designs that incorporate icy elements and structures similar to Herzog & De Meuron's Elbe Philharmonic Hall. - **Multi-functional Superstructures:** Creating buildings that serve more than one purpose such as a hotel, apartments, and concert halls within the same structure. - **Environmental Design:** Developing structures that incorporate environmentally friendly features such as energy-efficient materials and renewable energy sources. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Opportunities for architects to experiment with alternative designs and incorporate icy elements into their projects. - **Hospitality:** Innovating by creating hotels that are not only luxurious but also serve as a multi-functional space for concerts and living spaces. - **Renewable Energy:** The building of superstructures provides an opportunity to incorporate renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels, to make buildings more environmentally friendly. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ice Block-Formed Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/falling-hours.md) - [Performance Hall Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/powell-hall.md) - [Floating Opera Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/isola-della-musica.md) - [Lakeside Cultural Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/isola-della-mus.md) - [Airborne Concert Halls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arka-nova.md) - [Blocky High-Ride Laboratories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/herzog-de-meuron1.md) - [Sculptural Photocoltaic Theater Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/opera-and-ballet-theatre-of-kosovo.md) - [Perorated Brickwork Music Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-gong.md) - [Simplistic Timber Warehouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/halle-s-46.md)