# Artist-Inspired Museum Buildings This Rainbow-Windowed Building Was Ellsworth Kelly's Last Design By Madison Mackay | Published 2018-02-15 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-windowed-building References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/02/09/rainbow-windows-pattern-ellsworth-kelly-minimal-austin-pavilion-university-texas/) & [blantonmuseum.org](http://blantonmuseum.org/exhibitions-calendar/) Late American artist Ellsworth Kelly designed this rainbow-windowed building for the [University of Texas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crow-museum-of-asian-art) in Austin and the project became his last work of art. Known for his colorful yet minimal work, the artist created this building as his first ever three-dimensional project. Ellsworth gifted the one-of-a-kind design to the university, that raised $23 million dollars to complete it. The structure was [modeled after a chapel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abin-design-studio), but the purpose of the building is to find joy and contemplation rather than any religious purposes. Built from pale stone, the large [rainbow-colored windows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-international-school) were added to give character to the minimal structure's design. The inside features multiple monochromatic paintings on marble panels and vibrant colors reflecting from the windows. The rainbow-windowed building is set to open on February 18th. Image Credit: Dezeen, Blanton Museum of Art ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 1% | 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 - **Artistic Architecture:** Opportunity for architects and designers to incorporate artistic elements into building designs, creating visually appealing and unique structures. - **Integration of Minimalism:** Potential for incorporating minimalist design principles in architectural projects, focusing on simplicity, clean lines, and functionality. - **Exploration of Color and Light:** Innovation in using colors and natural light to create immersive and visually engaging building designs, enhancing the overall experience. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Architects can explore incorporating artistic and minimalist elements into their designs, creating visually stunning structures that stand out in the industry. - **Art and Design:** Artists and designers can collaborate with architects to bring their artistic vision into the realm of physical structures, blurring the lines between art and architecture. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** Hotels, resorts, and tourist attractions can envision unique and visually captivating buildings that offer memorable experiences to their guests, attracting a discerning clientele. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Optical Illusion Replica Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liberty-science-center.md) - [Animated Game-Inspired Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-road.md) - [Dual Level Concrete Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crow-museum-of-asian-art.md) - [University Art Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/princeton-university-art-museum.md) - [Color-Shifting Art Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-quartet-songzhuang-z-museum.md) - [Conical Glass Pavilion Wineries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vertical-panorama-pavilion.md) - [Wonderous Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/your-psychoacoustic-light-ensemble.md) - [Illuminated Seated Chamber Skylights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leading-skyspace.md) - [Campus Art Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atelier-ppw.md)