# Lattice-Encased Spherical Buildings The European Council Building is in Brussels, Belgium By Joey Haar | Published 2016-12-29 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/european-council-building References: [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/802379/european-council-and-council-of-the-european-union-samyn-and-partners) & [samynandpartners](https://samynandpartners.com/) The [European Council](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/european-space-agency-1) building, called the Justus Lipsius, has a bold and all-encompassing architectural style that reflects the building's import as the location for hosting some of the continent's most important policy and diplomacy meetings. The design features a [metal latticework cube](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/curly-cube) that surrounds and partially obscures a large volumetric sphere inside. The sphere-within-cube design of the European Council building is ripe with metaphors. For one, the lattice that holds the sphere is a metaphor for the council's attempt to impose order and stability on the world. Also, the building as a whole is a visual reference to the flag of the [European Union](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skyted-silent-mask), with the lattice being the outline of the flag and the sphere as the ring of stars inside. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 70% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Spherical Architecture:** The trend of using spherical buildings with unique lattice encasements presents opportunities for innovative and visually striking architectural designs. - **Metaphorical Design:** The trend of incorporating metaphorical elements into building designs opens up possibilities for storytelling and symbolic expression in architecture. - **Iconic Government Structures:** The trend of creating iconic government buildings, like the European Council building, enables cities to showcase their importance and diplomatic roles on a global scale. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** The architectural industry can explore disruptive opportunities in designing cutting-edge lattice-encased spherical buildings that captivate and inspire. - **Urban Planning:** Urban planners can consider the impact of metaphorical design in creating unique city landmarks that communicate cultural, political, or historical significance. - **Government:** Government agencies can leverage the trend of iconic government structures to enhance their diplomatic presence and foster a sense of national pride and unity. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Glowing Sphere Art Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/netherlands-pavilion.md) - [Cube-Shaped Skyscraper Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mukaab.md) - [Wave-Inspired Civic Halls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sail-congress-centre.md) - [Latticed-Steel Transport Hub Columns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metropolitan-station.md) - [Brutalist Converted Learning Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archipelago.md) - [Miniature Spherical Replica Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-sphere.md) - [Protein-Inspired Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folded-protein-molecule.md) - [Beautifully Sculptural Concrete Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lusail-museum.md) - [Geometric Structural Dynamic Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pentagone-house.md)