# High Heel-Like Towers The NBBJ Rainier Square Building to Replace Open Space in Washington By Meghan Young | Published 2014-05-13 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nbbj-rainier-square-building References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/3030461/this-tower-looks-like-a-high-heel) & [nbbj](http://www.nbbj.com/) The NBBJ Rainier Square building will bring one thing to mind at first glance: A giant high heeled boot. The front slopes down into what appears to be the toe while the back of that portion tapers into a heel. Creating a stunning silhouette, the proposed tower is set to become the second tallest in the city of Seattle, which makes it quite the fashionable statement. Commissioned by the [University of Washington](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ucl-east-marshgate), which owns the space, the NBBJ Rainier Square building rises 50 storeys high and will feature offices, apartments and 30,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. According to [Fast Co. Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aluminum-outdoor-furniture), "The unusual shoe-like shape of the building was meant to maximize the amount of floor space for office tenants on the lower floors while minimizing the impact on the neighboring Rainier Tower." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 34% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Architectural Design:** The unconventional design of the NBBJ Rainier Square building demonstrates the trend of pushing the boundaries of traditional architecture. - **Mixed-use Developments:** The combination of offices, apartments, and retail space in the NBBJ Rainier Square building reflects the increasing popularity of mixed-use developments. - **Urban Land Optimization:** The unique shape of the NBBJ Rainier Square building showcases the trend of maximizing space utilization in urban areas where land is limited. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture & Design:** Innovative architectural firms can explore disruptive design concepts to create visually striking buildings that prioritize functionality and efficiency. - **Real Estate:** Developers in the real estate industry can capitalize on the demand for mixed-use developments that offer a variety of amenities and convenience to residents and tenants. - **Construction:** Construction companies have an opportunity to apply innovative construction techniques and materials to bring unique architectural designs to life efficiently and sustainably. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sail-Shaped Skyscapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olympia-dumbo.md) - [Staggered Tower Texan Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1550-on-the-green.md) - [Ski Resort Crystalline Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trojena-ski-resort.md) - [Stepped Office Blocky Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/landsec.md) - [Square-Shaped High-Rise Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ndarja.md) - [Curved Sculptural Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alberni.md) - [Stacked Pebble-Inspired Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calais-port-tower.md) - [Elevated Garden-Filled Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cloud-11.md) - [Precast Concrete Toronto Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tower-hill-development.md)