# Angular Diplomatic Abodes The Ethiopian Dutch Embassy Juts Out in Several Directions By Jordy E | Published 2013-04-02 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ethiopian-dutch-embassy References: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/5992904/if-all-embassies-looked-like-this-there-wouldnt-be-any-wars) & [ethiopia.nlembassy.org](http://ethiopia.nlembassy.org/) The Ethiopian Dutch embassy shakes up standard diplomatic abodes. While many feature grandiose layouts and upscale materials, architects Dick van Gameren and Bjarne Mastenbroek brought an alternative [angular concept](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stay-under-the-radar) to life. Multiple cultural elements are infused into the floor plans of this [bureaucratic space](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sophisticated-government-office). This stems from its [rough walls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-atrium-house), a direct offshoot of the red earth that is present in Ethiopia. A shallow pool was also incorporated, stemming from the Netherlands' low to the ground geography. Ecological aspects are also present here. As it sits sloped in a downwards manner, beams of sunlight are used to heat, cool and ventilate the embassy's interior. It follows that it won the 2007 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 31% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Alternative Diplomatic Abodes:** Architects are reimagining the traditional diplomatic embassy design by incorporating alternative, angular concepts. - **Cultural Infusion in Diplomatic Spaces:** Designers are incorporating cultural elements into embassy floor plans, creating spaces that reflect the identities of both the host and guest countries. - **Ecological Embassies:** Embassies are embracing sustainable design practices, utilizing natural elements such as sunlight for heating, cooling, and ventilation. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture and Design:** Architects and designers have the opportunity to innovate and create unique embassy spaces that challenge traditional norms and incorporate cultural and ecological elements. - **Sustainable Energy:** The integration of natural energy sources like sunlight in embassy design presents opportunities for the renewable energy industry to provide innovative solutions for heating, cooling, and ventilation. - **Cultural Relations and Diplomacy:** The infusion of cultural elements in embassy design fosters stronger cultural and diplomatic relations between nations, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and collaboration. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Reimagined Bright Italian Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/italian-embassy-london.md) - [Modern Embassy Conversions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rosewood-chancery-hotel.md) - [Glowing Sphere Art Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/netherlands-pavilion.md) - [Bold Urban Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hotel-hans.md) - [Angular Educational Facilities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oarvemtta.md) - [Sophisticated Government Office Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sophisticated-government-office.md) - [Modern Highland Residential Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-the-andes.md) - [Afromosia Wood-Defined Dutch Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dab-studio.md) - [Multifunctional Angled Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vertikal-nydalen.md)