# Otherworldly Architecture China's Dalian Int'l Conference Center Looks Like It's From Mars By Going Like Sixty | Published 2009-02-09 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marschitecture-other-worldly-inspired-buildings References: [coop-himmelblau.at](http://www.coop-himmelblau.at/) The Chinese are forging ahead with [spectacular public buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aydc-public-art-centre). Most recent is the [Dalian International Conference Center](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bamboo-washing-machine) in Shenzen, China. The building is open with floating spaces and soft surfaces. Performance stages are 15 meters above the grand entrance. Smaller [conference spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sail-congress-centre) are arranged around the perimeter and connected to the conference center via short traffic spaces. All interior spaces have direct exterior lights, and the main entrance will eventually connect to the new cruise ship terminal. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 64% | 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 ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Spectacular Public Buildings:** Opportunity for architects to push the boundaries of creativity and design and create buildings that are not just functional but also aesthetically stunning. - **Floating Spaces:** Opportunity for designers to create unique floating spaces that challenge traditional architectural norms and offer a dynamic user experience. - **Direct Exterior Lights:** Opportunity for lighting designers to incorporate direct exterior lights which can enhance the beauty of the building at night and provide an immersive experience for visitors. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Architects can develop new technologies to create breathtaking structures and revolutionize the field of architecture. - **Design:** Designers can explore new materials and building techniques to create floating spaces that are sustainable, while also providing a unique experience for users. - **Lighting:** Lighting manufacturers can create innovative lighting solutions that can be incorporated into exterior architecture and provide functional as well as aesthetic benefits. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Clover-Style Conference Center Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zgc-international-innovation-center.md) - [AI-Assisted Convention Centres](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/west-bund-convention-centre.md) - [Landscape-Concealed Cultural Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chaohu-natural-and-cultural-centre.md) - [Galactic-Themed Sci-Fi Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-cloud.md) - [Ribbon-Like Dynamic Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/capital-international-exhibition.md) - [Everchanging Water-Based Theaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yichang-grand-theatre.md) - [Stone Building Auditoriums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centre-de-congrs.md) - [Sculptural Cultural Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aydc-public-art-centre.md) - [Water Flow-Inspired Art Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nanhai-arts-center.md)