Cinder Block Buildings

MM Apartment Building in Tokyo by Nakae Architects

Nakae Architects must have had function as their singular thought in the creation of the MM Apartment building. The interior spaces, though all white, appear useful and utilitarian. The exterior, however, gives the architects little to brag about. The MM Apartment looks more like a prison than an 8-unit residential building.

The MM Apartment building was photographed by Hiroyasu Sakaguchi. The designers on the MM Apartment included Yuji Nakae, Hirofumi Ohno and Yamada Hiroyuki.

Implications - Consumers are looking to create products that stress functionality over aesthetics. Buyers are realizing that to make better use of their money, they should invest in more utilitarian and functional items. Businesses can profit by providing products and services that don't have to include this design aesthetic, but rather focus on the functional appeal of the product.

Function-first Design
Consumers are prioritizing functionality over aesthetics in the design of products.
Utilitarian Aesthetics
Products with an utilitarian and practical look are gaining popularity.
Minimalism
Consumers are gravitating towards simplified and minimal designs.

Who This Affects Most

Architecture
Opportunity to offer utilitarian, functional building designs that prioritize function over aesthetics.
Furniture
Opportunity to offer minimal and practical furniture designs that prioritize function over aesthetics.
Consumer Electronics
Opportunity to offer utilitarian and simplified electronic devices that prioritize function over flashy design.
SCORE
2.0 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe, Asia
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen X
  • Millennial (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 26%
Activity 26%
Freshness 8%