# Fluid Concrete Buildings Zaha Hadid Designed the Issam Fares Institute as a Cantilevered Structure By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-06-12 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/issam-fares-institute References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2014/06/10/issam-fares-institute-beirut-zaha-hadid/) & [zaha-hadid](http://www.zaha-hadid.com/) World famous architect Zaha Hadid designed The Issam Fares Institute for the [American University of Beirut](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aia) in Lebanon. The building, which provides a forum for debating public policy and international affairs as they pertain to the Arab world, features a [cantilevered design over a public courtyard](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baker-creek-pavilion). Hadid lifted half of the building off the ground, creating a [public plaza at its entrance](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aquapraa). She explains, "The building emerges from the geometries of intersecting routes as a series of interlocking platforms and spaces for research, engagement and discourse." The concrete structure features walls depressed with curvaceous, multi-dimensional shapes, which have a double-function as windows. Inside, the lower level of the building accommodates a concave auditorium that seats 100. Meanwhile, the rest of the building contains workshops and research areas separated by glass partitions to retain visibility. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 10% | 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) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Cantilevered Architecture:** Adopting a cantilevered design for buildings in urban environments is a disruptive solution to make use of limited space and create public areas. - **Curvaceous Designs:** Innovative concrete techniques using curvaceous multi-dimensional shapes can be used to create unique and visually striking buildings that both serve a functional purpose and stand out from traditional architectural designs. - **Transparent Partitions:** Using glass partitions instead of opaque materials to separate areas within a building enhances visibility and communication between different departments, ultimately promoting collaboration and creativity. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Implementing cantilevered structures, curvaceous designs, and transparent partitions can disrupt the traditional architectural industry by offering unique and innovative solutions to common design challenges. - **Construction:** Adopting cantilevered structures and curvaceous designs require innovative construction methods and materials, opening opportunities for disruption in the construction industry. - **Education and Research:** Designing buildings that promote visibility and interaction through transparent partitions can disrupt the traditional educational and research industries by encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stone Building Auditoriums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centre-de-congrs.md) - [Modular Tent Classroom Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zaha-hadid-architects-2.md) - [Lighthouse-Functioning Concrete Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concrete-pavilion.md) - [Sweeping Culture Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/river-culture-and-art-centre.md) - [Terracotta Concrete Community Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iztapalapa-pilares-community-center.md) - [Curved Stadium Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xian-international-football-centre.md) - [Sculptural Canteliver Concrete Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-del-alma.md) - [Dual Level Concrete Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crow-museum-of-asian-art.md) - [Beautifully Sculptural Concrete Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lusail-museum.md)