# Ultra-Modern Academic Glass Buildings John Ronan Boasts an Airy Design for ITT's Kaplan Institute By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-12-05 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kaplan-institute References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/12/04/iit-kaplan-institute-john-ronan-architects/) & [jrarch](http://www.jrarch.com/) The Kaplan Institute — an extension of the [Illinois Institute of Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printing-additive-manufacturing), enjoys a design-forward aesthetic that borders on opportunistic futurism and contemporary chic. The appearance of the academic building is completed by American studio John Ronan Architects. The Kaplan Institute — officially known as the 'Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship,' boasts a uniform design. The structure is wrapped in [glass panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exp-building) which is partially what gives it a futuristic look. While the lower levels are visible from the outside, the upper levels have a concealing finish. Thus, John Ronan Architects adequately decipher between open, communal areas and [private research spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ragon-intitute). The overall aesthetic of the Kaplan Institute is made to be "light [and] cloud-like." This building has come to be the first one constructed for the IIT in over 40 years. Photo Credits: [Steve Hall](https://www.hallmerrick.com/about/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 92% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Opportunistic Futurism:** Design-forward aesthetics that embrace futuristic elements to create innovative spaces. - **Contemporary Chic:** Combining modern design with elegant and stylish elements to create visually appealing spaces. - **Uniform Design:** Creating a cohesive and consistent design aesthetic throughout a building or space. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Exploring new design concepts and techniques to create innovative and futuristic buildings. - **Education:** Developing innovative learning environments that inspire creativity and collaboration. - **Technology:** Incorporating advanced materials and technologies to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of buildings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Floating-Style Classroom Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloomberg-center.md) - [Academic Architecture Additions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cannady-hall.md) - [Mass-Timber Education Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-w-boyer-center.md) - [Metal Screened Academic Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mary-schmidt-campbell-center.md) - [Campus Art Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atelier-ppw.md) - [Gold-Tonal Metal Building Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skylab.md) - [Architecture Education Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aia.md) - [Rink-Turned Creative Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorado-college-honnen-arts-hub.md) - [Vibrant Multi-Level Office Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gensler.md)