# Parted Blind Buildings The Nebuta House by Molo Design is a Giant Paper Lantern By Amelia Roblin | Published 2011-06-26 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nebuta-house-by-molo-design References: [contemporist](http://www.contemporist.com/2011/06/25/nebuta-house-by-molo-design/) & [molodesign](http://www.molodesign.com/) It's always interesting to see architecture inspired by much smaller objects, and the Nebuta House by Molo Design is a prime example of a creative interpretation of something that takes such varying forms. The cultural hub in Aomori or northern Japan was initially planned as a competition to conceive a [community center and housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kumagaya-house), but as one can see in photos by Iwan Baan, the program has since changed dramatically. The structure now acts as a venue for the arts, putting theatrical and musical performances on offer, as well as [art exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-quartet-songzhuang-z-museum). Designers Todd MacAllen and Stephanie Forsythe were inspired by the city's Nebuta Festival which celebrates mythical Japanese storytelling and its transformation into [paper lanterns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iside-home). The Nebuta House by Molo Design becomes a lantern itself, composed of vertically clad steel ribbons, each handcrafted and adjusted on-site. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 72% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Architecture Inspired by Smaller Objects:** The Nebuta House by Molo Design is an example of architecture inspired by smaller objects, offering opportunities for creative interpretations. - **Transformation of Community Centers:** The Nebuta House's transformation into a venue for the arts showcases opportunities for reimagining the purpose of community centers. - **Integration of Cultural Festivals:** The incorporation of the Nebuta Festival's storytelling tradition into the design of the Nebuta House highlights potential for integrating cultural festivals into architectural concepts. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** The Nebuta House by Molo Design presents opportunities for innovative approaches in architectural design. - **Arts and Entertainment:** The transformation of the Nebuta House into an arts venue suggests possibilities for enhancing the arts and entertainment industry. - **Event Planning and Management:** The integration of the Nebuta Festival into the design of the Nebuta House points to innovation opportunities in event planning and management. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Neon Illustation-Donned Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crafted-world-exhibition-1.md) - [Paper-Inspired Artful Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/museum-for-papirkunst.md) - [Modern Multi-Purpose Japanese Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muiltipurpose-japanese-building.md) - [Washi Paper-Inspired Lighting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shining-a-light.md) - [Traditional Japan-Honoring Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/c4l-house.md) - [Interactive Architectural Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folding-landscape.md) - [Spiralling Stainless-Steel Cultural Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/010-building.md) - [Paper-Like Art Museum Roofs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/museum-for-paper-art.md) - [Clear Glazing Compact Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/check-patterned-house.md)