# Delightful Orca-Inspired Architecture This L’Escaut Architecture Skating Rink is Whale-Shape By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2013-01-10 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lescaut-architecture References: [thefoxisblack](http://www.thefoxisblack.com/2013/01/07/skating-inside-a-whale-a-project-by-lescaut-architecture-be-weinand/) & [escaut.org](http://www.escaut.org) For a whale of a good time, the L’Escaut Architecture [skating rink](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorado-college-honnen-arts-hub) is delightfully designed after the classic shape of an orca. The adorable, [enclosed rink](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tmsewtx-aquatic-and-community-centre) is complete after a lengthy seven year building process that began with hopes to create an expansive structure that will comfortably serve as the municipal rink for the town of Liége in Belgium. The architects behind the [eccentric structure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/netherlands-pavilion) state that they followed a design aesthetic that would product a building that is, ”round, fluid with generous shape, as a metaphor of a universe of ice.” Their mission is indeed accomplished as the rink begins to open it's doors for lucky patrons who will be able to say they're skated inside a whale. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 5% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, 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 ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Playful Architecture:** Opportunities to create unique buildings that delight and entertain users, like the whale-shaped L'Escaut Architecture skating rink - **Metaphorical Design:** Innovating on the use of design metaphors to create buildings that have a deeper meaning and enrich user experiences - **Sustainable Fun:** Designing fun and unique buildings while also finding ways to make them environmentally sustainable, like the long seven year process it took to build the orca-inspired L'Escaut Architecture skating rink ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** The architecture industry has an opportunity to continue innovating by creating more distinctive and metaphorical designs that also prioritize sustainability, like the orca-inspired L'Escaut Architecture skating rink - **Entertainment:** The entertainment industry could benefit from playful and imaginative building designs like the L'Escaut Architecture skating rink, which delights and entertains users while also providing a functional space - **Tourism:** In the tourism industry, unique and visually captivating buildings like the whale-shaped L'Escaut Architecture skating rink can become an attraction in and of themselves, attracting visitors and boosting local economies ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ukranian Multi-Sports Venue Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kolchyno-ice-center.md) - [Boat-Inspired Community Center](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/esbjerg-maritime-center.md) - [Nature-Inspired Rooftop Skateparks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qingdao-mixc-rooftop-skatepark.md) - [Whale-Inspired PC Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orca-mouse-concept.md) - [Wave-Inspired Civic Halls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sail-congress-centre.md) - [Salmon Scale-Inspired Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salmon-eye.md) - [Aquarium Park Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lmn-architect.md) - [Elevated Urban Skate Venues](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aan-architects.md) - [Rustic Ruin-Inspired Aquariums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-sea-of-cortez-research-center.md)