# Ice-Themed Culture Hubs Mathieu Forest Architecte Designed the Xinxiang Cultural Tourism Centre By Elena Rahman | Published 2022-03-10 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mathieu-forest-architecte References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2022/03/10/xinxiang-cultural-tourism-centre-mathieu-forest-architecte-glass-cubes-china/) & [mathieuforest.fr](http://www.mathieuforest.fr/) Mathieu Forest Architecte designed the Xinxiang Cultural Tourism Centre to resemble a stack of ice cubes. A stack of nine frosted glass cubes sits atop a pool of water houses to characterize the cultural hub as a sculpturally-inspired structure. The hub aims to become a sculptural icon for a new winter sports tourism district in the city. The district will include an indoor ski slope. Inside the nine cubes, the center houses a restaurant, cafe, shops, and children's spaces. Its stacked form creates a series of open-air terraces that overlook the surrounding plaza and water pools. According to Mathieu Forest Architecte, "the ambition of the project is to create a strong urban indicator that unites the whole district." Image Credit: Mathieu Forest Architecte ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Ice-themed Architecture:** There is an opportunity for architects and designers to create more ice-themed structures, which could attract winter sports tourism. - **Cultural Tourism Hubs:** Cultural tourism hubs that offer shops, restaurants, and other attractions in a visually interesting way could become more popular. - **Open-air Terraces:** The use of open-air terraces in architecture could increase, as they provide an outdoor space with a unique view for visitors. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture Industry:** Architects could explore more ways to incorporate visually interesting designs like ice-themed culture hubs. - **Tourism Industry:** Tourism professionals could consider creating more cultural hubs to attract visitors, especially those interested in winter sports. - **Restaurant Industry:** Restaurants could consider the use of unique and visually interesting designs, such as those found in cultural tourism hubs, to attract more customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sculptural Cultural Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aydc-public-art-centre.md) - [Contemporary Culture Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tselinny-center.md) - [Landscape-Concealed Cultural Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chaohu-natural-and-cultural-centre.md) - [Ice Block-Formed Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/falling-hours.md) - [Sleek Culture Business Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xian-centre-culture-business-district.md) - [Arched Garden-Topped Cultural Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hengqin-culture-and-art-complex.md) - [Ukranian Multi-Sports Venue Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kolchyno-ice-center.md) - [Rink-Turned Creative Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorado-college-honnen-arts-hub.md) - [Water-Inspired Sales Building](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cifi-group.md)