# Elegantly Angled Edifices Sumatrakontor by Erick Van Egeraat is a Contemporary Vision in Hamburg By Rebecca Byers | Published 2012-01-24 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/erick-van-egeraat1 References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2012/01/20/sumatrakontor-by-erick-van-egeraat/) & [erickvanegeraat](http://www.erickvanegeraat.com/) Dutch architect Erick van Egeraat has created a stunning ten-story, [multi-use complex](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schieblocks) located in the [Hafencity neighborhood of Hamburg](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hamburg-state-opera), Germany that houses retail stores, a five-star hotel, offices and luxury condos. The front of the building uses red brick and glass windows to create the illusion of a parting set of red curtains. The 37,000 sq-meter building was designed with inner-urban functions in mind, and is intended to appear as if it is cut into four separate volumes made from aluminum in addition to glass and red brick. The courtyard created by several of those cuts includes white facades that are traditionally seen in Hamburg's city centre. Erick van Egeraat has said it was also his goal to incorporate the nearby harbor, which was the inspiration behind the use of red brick. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 77% | 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) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Multi-use Complexes:** Opportunity to create innovative, integrated spaces that cater to various needs like retail, hospitality, and residential. - **Visual Illusions:** Potential for architectural designs that play with perception and create unique visual experiences. - **Incorporating Local Inspiration:** Emphasizing local elements and culture in architectural designs to create a sense of place and identity. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Real Estate:** Combining different functions in a single structure to maximize space and efficiency, attracting diverse clientele. - **Architecture + Design:** Exploring new ways of conceptualizing structures and facades to evoke emotions and capture attention. - **Hospitality:** Integrating hotel services into mixed-use complexes to offer unique and convenient experiences for guests. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bright Red Timber Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haus-2.md) - [Red Brick Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miller-apartment-building.md) - [Bold Urban Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hotel-hans.md) - [Accordion Facade Housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harmonikahusene.md) - [Amsterdam-Honoring Dynamic Workspaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/un-studio.md) - [Harbor Opera Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hamburg-state-opera.md) - [Multifunctional Angled Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vertikal-nydalen.md) - [Glass Facade Premium Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/henderson-office.md) - [Interconnected Brick-Clad Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/david-chipperfield-architects.md)