# Solar-Powered Shopping Malls Japan's Aeon and Oasis 21 Green Architecture By TopDog | Published 2009-05-14 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-powered-shopping-malls References: [1greenproduct](http://1greenproduct.com/2009/05/11/japan-eco-travel-solar-shopping-mall-electric-bikes-and-oasis-21/) It looks like ultra-techie Japan may be leading the world’s efforts to build [green buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taichung-green). The Aeon shopping mall near Yonago and the Oasis21 mall in the city of Nagoya are beautiful and inspiring feats of eco-friendly architecture. The Aeon shopping mall is almost completely covered in [solar panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion), which provide almost all of its power requirements. There are also ‘living walls’ which help to decontaminate urban environments. The [roof of the Oasis21](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skybowl) in the city’s Sakae shopping district is covered in mini water pools, which function to control the environment in the shopping plaza and underground shopping center. Each of these extraordinary architectural designs help to reduce Japan’s carbon footprint while providing some beautiful tech-savvy scenery. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 70% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Green Buildings:** Exploring innovative designs and technologies for eco-friendly architecture. - **Solar Panel Integration:** Leveraging solar panels to meet energy requirements and reduce carbon footprint. - **Water-based Environmental Controls:** Using water pools to regulate temperature and create a sustainable indoor environment. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** Opportunities for architects to incorporate green technologies and designs into their projects. - **Renewable Energy:** Demand for solar panels and advancements in solar energy integration in various sectors. - **Retail:** Incorporating sustainable design elements in shopping malls and centers to attract eco-conscious consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Glass Facade Shopping Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harajuku-quest.md) - [Zen-Like Shopping Malls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zenlike-shopping-mall.md) - [Draped Plant-Design Shopping Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calwer-passage.md) - [Energy Efficient Mall Redesigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skylight-galleria.md) - [Futuristic Commerce Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deji-plaza-phase-ii.md) - [Balanced Retail Atmosphere](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/capitamall-skyview.md) - [Carbon-Neutral LED Trees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/led-tree.md) - [Solar-Powered Vineyard Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vineyard-building.md) - [Algae Lit Retail Caves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aesop-hainan.md)