# Netted Donut Structures The Phoenix International Media Center Looks Like a Sports Stadium By Meghan Young | Published 2011-08-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phoenix-international-media-center References: [coolhunting](http://www.coolhunting.com/design/phoenix-international-media-center.php) & [biad-ufo.cn](http://www.biad-ufo.cn/) With the recent rapid growth and urbanization happening in China spurred by the 2008 Olympics, it's clear that things have not slowed down yet; the latest architecture project, Phoenix International Media Center, has met its halfway mark in construction. The project, which will be completed in 2012, is as impressive a structure as the [Universaide Sports Center](http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universiade-sports-center) or even Herzog and De Meuron’s Bird’s Nest Olympic Stadium. Funnily enough, the Phoenix International Media Center is not actually a stadium, even though it looks like one. Designed by [BIAD UFo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/falling-hours), a firm based in China, the Phoenix International Media Center is actually being built for a powerful and large satellite TV provider. Reminiscent of a sea sponge or jellyfish, its [netted donut shape](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yohoo-museum) is also rather futuristic. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 70% | 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 ### What's Driving This Trend - **Rapid Growth of Urbanization:** New opportunities exist for architects to pioneer structures in megacities like Shanghai and Beijing to accommodate the rapid growth of urbanization. - **Futuristic Architecture:** There is a growing trend towards futuristic architecture and designs, creating ample opportunities for architects to embrace inspiration from nature and experiment with novel constructions. - **Media Spaces:** Media companies around the world are increasingly looking to design and build visually compelling spaces with innovative architecture to accommodate their large and diverse teams, and to make their offices a distinct and visually appealing part of their brand. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** Architecture and construction firms have immense opportunities in megacities like Shanghai and Beijing, where rapid urbanization and growth means the need for new and innovative buildings and structures. - **Media and Entertainment:** Media companies worldwide can explore innovative ideas for their offices, studios, and event spaces, creating uniquely recognizable visual landmarks and environments for their talent and audiences. - **Tourism:** Innovative and futuristic architecture that captures the imagination of visitors and tourists has the potential to boost tourism in high-growth areas like Beijing and Shanghai, bringing significant benefits to local economies. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Architectural Sports Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xian-international-football.md) - [Curved Stadium Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xian-international-football-centre.md) - [Waterside Spiralled Footpath Stadiums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suoyuwan-barracuda.md) - [Donut-Shaped Meteorological Balloons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woven-gateway-and-sky-ring.md) - [Translucent Mesh-Wrapped Art Center](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flickering-peak.md) - [Fly Saucer-Shaped Structural Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-never-hut.md) - [Wave-Like Structural Art Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zibo-oct.md) - [Large Sports Complexes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greater-bay-area-sports-centre.md) - [Clover-Style Conference Center Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zgc-international-innovation-center.md)