# Tree-Inspired Buildings Architect Kengo Kuma Designed this Building with Numerous Leaf-Like Panels By Ady Floyd | Published 2015-05-25 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leaf-like-panels References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/architecture/kengo-kuma-toshima-ward-office-tokyo-japan-05-25-2015/) & [kkaa.co.jp](http://kkaa.co.jp/) This multi-functioning building in Tokyo, Japan was designed by Architect Kengo Kuma using leaf-like panels to create a tree-inspired look. The 94, 681.87 square-meter building has offices, permanent housing and a [vertical garden](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wonderwoods-vertical-forest). It is called Toshima Ward Office. Each panel has a specific function. Some leaf-like panels are photo-voltaic cells, which means they provide power. Other panels are recycled wooden louvers that offers shade to indoor spaces. The third type of panel is a vegetated green panel that provides additional nature elements and provides oxygen. Inspired by the desire to create a urbanized green space in a large city, Toshima Ward Office erupts from the the ground like a beautiful tree. Providing ample amounts of oxygen while also using solar-powered panels, this eco-friendly building is useful and efficient. Photo Credits: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/architecture/kengo-kuma-toshima-ward-office-tokyo-japan-05-25-2015/), [kkaa.co.jp](http://kkaa.co.jp/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 80% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Eco-friendly Architecture:** The use of eco-friendly building materials and renewable energy sources in construction to create sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. - **Biophilic Design:** Incorporating nature-inspired elements, such as vegetation and natural lighting, in architectural designs to promote well-being and connection with the natural environment. - **Multi-functioning Spaces:** Designing buildings with versatile spaces that can serve multiple purposes, such as combining offices, housing, and green spaces in a single structure. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture and Construction:** Opportunity for architects and construction companies to embrace eco-friendly practices and innovative design concepts for sustainable buildings. - **Renewable Energy:** Growing demand for renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels, to power buildings and reduce carbon footprint. - **Urban Planning and Development:** City planners and developers can explore the integration of multi-functioning spaces to optimize land use and create more environmentally conscious urban environments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Organic Striking Tower Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-leaves.md) - [Valley-Inspired Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kitaoka-group-office.md) - [Greenery-Filled Skyscraper Terrarium](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terrarium-cheongdam.md) - [Tree-Inspired Panelled Workspaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hood-design-studio.md) - [Wooden Residential Parisian Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yamatani.md) - [Spiralled Roof Horticultural Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-leaf-1.md) - [Plant-Filled Latticed Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touching-eden-house.md) - [Asia-Based Wooden Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaia-building-1.md) - [Forested Residential Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-bath.md)