# Imperial Disk-Inspired Offices Pasquale Designs a Disk Office with a Hole in the Middle By Tiffany | Published 2013-12-15 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office References: [my-architecture](http://www.my-architecture.com/news/am-project-rounds-out-double-disk-guangzhou-circle-mansion) & [hdxy.cn](http://www.hdxy.cn/english/corp_intro/gongDongHongDa.jsp) Four years ago, Italian design company AM Project won a bid for an [office building](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/max-zone) for an international architecture competition that took place in Guangzhou, China. Designed by Milan-based architect Joseph Di Pasquale, the building will house the headquarters of chemical industrial group Hongda Xingye Guangdong and the world’s largest raw plastic stock exchange, the GDPE Guangdong Plastic Exchange. The structure is reminiscent of the iconic double jade disk that symbolizes the imperial emblem of a 2,000-year-old ancient Chinese dynasty that reigned on the same site of the [disk-like structure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eye-of-the-future). The space occupies around 85,000 square meters of land and is 130 meters high, with a giant gaping hole in the middle. The landmark is situated [near a river](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/big-hq) that acts as a mirror, reflecting the structure and produces the number ‘8,’ which is known to be a lucky number in China. The visual aesthetic of the number ‘8’ can also be interpreted as a symbol of infinity and longevity. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 62% | Activity: 75% | 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's Driving This Trend - **Disk-inspired Architecture:** Designers could create other buildings inspired by iconic cultural symbols to create striking landmarks. - **Symbolic Aesthetics in Architecture:** Architects could use symbolism to create visually, culturally, and spiritually significant structures. - **Innovative Industrial Infrastructure:** Businesses in heavy-industry sectors could pursue new, high-profile construction projects to augment their brand presence and influence. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** Architect groups and firms can leverage the cultural significance of icons to create landmark buildings that leave a lasting impact on city landscapes. - **Chemical Manufacturing:** Chemical corporations could invest in giant, record-setting buildings as headquarters or manufacturing plants to make powerful statements to clients and investors. - **Plastic Trading:** Plastic trading businesses could create high-profile buildings to attract customers all while incorporating company branding within the design itself. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Infinity Loop-Shaped Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yohoo-museum.md) - [Glossy Panelled Pentagonal Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinwheel.md) - [White-Ceramic Striped Facade Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jomoo.md) - [Nature-Inspired Geometric Office Domes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dzome.md) - [Decorative Ceramic Office Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiandre.md) - [Stone-Like Discreet Glass Viewpoints](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drifting-stones.md) - [Greenhouse Office Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-for-roundtable.md) - [Playful Futuristic Work Campuses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/max-zone.md) - [Glass Facade Premium Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/henderson-office.md)