# All-Timber Canopy Buildings The Swatch Headquarters by Shigeru Ban Architects is Rustic By M | Published 2013-06-09 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shigeru-ban-architects References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/architecture/shigeru-ban-headquarters-for-swatch-production-buildings-for-omega/) & [shigerubanarchitects](http://www.shigerubanarchitects.com/) Shigeru Ban Architects took it upon themselves to design watch company [Swatch’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swatch-vancouver) latest headquarters. Featuring the ingenious Swatch Shell [wooden arch canopy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/piloti-canopy), the Swatch headquarters is an elegant design space for brands like [Omega](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-greenwich-turntable), Biel and Switzerland to grab inspiration from. The Swatch Shell canopy is one of the most creative ceiling canopies on any building to date. Made from diagonally criss-crossing wooden planks with cross-like white shapes, the canopy’s frame resembles a gigantic game of tic-tac-toe. Made entirely out of light wood, the Swatch Shell canopy will also provide shade, feature solar panels for energy and elevate the modern look of the Swatch headquarters. As an extremely pleasing architectural feat, the Swatch headquarters will be a beautifully breathtaking, environmentally friendly and industrially modern structure that perfectly reflects Swatch’s minimalist and simple design aesthetic. Photo Credits: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/architecture/shigeru-ban-headquarters-for-swatch-production-buildings-for-omega/class=FourteenG), [shigerubanarchitects](http://www.shigerubanarchitects.com/class=FourteenG) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 45% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Creative Ceiling Canopies:** The Swatch Shell canopy is an innovative example of a creative ceiling canopy that can be applied to various architectural designs. - **Light Wood Architecture:** The use of light wood materials in architectural structures, like the Swatch headquarters, offers opportunities for sustainable and visually appealing designs. - **Minimalist Design Aesthetics:** The Swatch headquarters exemplifies the potential for minimalist design in creating elegant and modern architectural structures. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Architects can explore new possibilities in creating unique and visually striking canopy designs using creative ceiling canopies as inspiration. - **Renewable Energy:** The integration of solar panels into architectural structures, such as the Swatch headquarters, presents opportunities for the renewable energy industry. - **Design:** Design professionals can look to minimalist design aesthetics, as showcased in the Swatch headquarters, for inspiration in creating simple and modern spaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wooden Roof Japanese Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-city-museum.md) - [Bamboo Parasol Community Canopies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tapmi-center.md) - [Simplistic Timber Warehouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/halle-s-46.md) - [Wood-Clad Relaxing Housing Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shigeru-ban-1.md) - [Ethereal Mesh Canopy Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cs-somme-cafe.md) - [Dynamic Wavy Steel Canopies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheung-sha-wan-pier-canopy.md) - [Japanese Technique Paneled Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shou-sugi-ban.md) - [Metal Awning Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uchida-shoten.md) - [Modular Wooden Shed Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schtauss.md)