# Neon-Notched Cubes The High Blocks by Rona Binay are Inspired by High-Wire Walker Philippe Petit By Meghan Young | Published 2013-01-09 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-blocks References: [design-milk](http://design-milk.com/high-blocks-visual-cubes-by-rona-binay/) & [ronapple.tumblr](http://ronapple.tumblr.com/) The High Blocks is a sophisticated set of [toy cubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playcube) that will appeal to adults in terms of inspiration and delight children in regards to design. Comprised of 18 [oversized wooden blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/berto-hidden-secrets), each of which have been notched with differing patterns of lines, the High Blocks can be arranged in various ways depending on what the user desires, creating a [visual connection](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-triennale-museum). Designed by Rona Binay, a designer born in Turkey and based in Brooklyn, New York, the High Blocks were inspired by famed high-wire walker, Philippe Petit. Channeling the balance and risks in life, Binay observes, "This dichotomy brings the childhood and the risks a person has to take during their life together." The High Blocks were made out of pinewood. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sophisticated Toy Blocks:** The use of high-quality materials and sophisticated design elements in children's toys offers an opportunity for disruption in the toy industry. - **Notched Patterns:** The application of notched patterns in product design can add a unique and visually appealing element, disrupting traditional product aesthetics. - **Inspired by Famous Figures:** Taking inspiration from famous or iconic figures in design can create a unique and compelling product, disrupting traditional design concepts. ### Where This Applies - **Toy Industry:** The use of sophisticated materials and design elements in children's toys offers an opportunity for innovation within the toy industry. - **Product Design:** The use of notched patterns as a design element can disrupt traditional product aesthetics in various industries. - **Design and Inspiration:** Taking inspiration from famous or iconic figures in design, as done with the High Blocks, can create unique and compelling products within various design industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Toy Block-Inspired Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloc-collection.md) - [Architecture-Inspired Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blockitecture-frank-lloyd-wright.md) - [Big Apple Toy Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/machi-town-new-york.md) - [Block Puzzle Modular Dollhouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dollhouse-concept.md) - [Luxury Block Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bottega-veneta-jenga.md) - [Combination Building Block Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omnicompatible-wooden-bricks.md) - [Elegant Desktop Brainteaser Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/craighill-tetra.md) - [Origami-Inspired Playful Magnetic Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trido.md) - [Whimsical Sculptural Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/city-block-series.md)