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# Video Game-Referencing Apartment Blocks
Aoa Architects' Pixel Building Pays Homage to Minecraft

By Kalin Ned | Published 2020-01-20 | Art & Design
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pixel-buildings
References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2020/01/18/cascade-house-aoa-architects-minecraft-south-korea/) & [aoaarchitects](https://www.aoaarchitects.com/)

A pixel building is erected in Seoul, South Korea, and the facade is successful in capturing the attention of passers-by as it is made out of tiles and offers a nice juxtaposition between white and red colors. The structure presents a stepped form that is symmetric in its expression.

Intended to be used as an apartment block, the inspiration behind the pixel building is somewhat interdisciplinary. On one hand, the structure is intended to pay homage to the popular video game Minecraft. On the other hand, it also references "colorful [LEGO](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dollhouse-concept) bricks and the stepped gabled of traditional Belgian houses," as well.

[Aoa Architects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoji-gangneung) titled 'Cascade House.' While the first floor is going to be used as a shop, the upper levels are there to house five families.

Image Credit: Hyosook Chin

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 5.3/10
- Popularity: 84% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 9%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Pixel Architecture:** Innovative architects are embracing 8-bit and digital culture in architecture by designing buildings that resemble pixelated images.
- **Video Game-inspired Design:** The video gaming industry is driving innovation in design by inspiring architects and designers to create buildings and products themed around popular video games like Minecraft.
- **Symmetric Building Design:** Architects are exploring the aesthetic appeal of symmetric building designs by creating buildings that present a stepped form which is symmetric in its expression.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Architecture:** The architecture industry can embrace innovative and creative designing by using pixel aesthetics, video game-inspired themes, and symmetric building designs to make creativity in their projects.
- **Construction:** Construction industry players can make it possible for innovative pixel building designs to be executed through using techniques and materials that capture the pixelated designs.
- **Gaming:** The gaming industry can embrace innovation by continuing to inspire art, design, and architecture with games featuring pixelated images and other aesthetic styles.

## Related on Trend Hunter

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- [Video Game-Inspired Furniture Catalogue](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-australia-1.md)
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- [Toy Brick-Inspired Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/curving-block.md)
- [Video Game-Themed Pixel Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pixel-art-collection.md)
- [Rurally-Inspired City Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ziel-highrise-building.md)
- [Game-Inspired Bright Pcs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minecraft-officially-licensed.md)
- [Gridded Urban Apartment Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-carboneria.md)