# Squid-Like Jetty Structures The St. Petersburg Eye Affords a Great View of the Gulf By Amelia Roblin | Published 2011-12-11 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/st-petersburg-eye References: [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/188775/final-design-proposals-for-the-st-petersburg-pier-design-competition/st_petersburg_pier_comp-028/) & [west8.nl](http://www.west8.nl/news/west_8s_design_for_st_petersburg_pier_international_competition_stage_2_declosed/) On a beautiful day there is nothing more wonderful than relaxing down by the water. The St. Petersburg Eye offers a place for people to feel like they're connecting with the ocean as they promenade down the lengthy landing towards the best lookout over the beach. This is West 8's submission for Florida's St. Petersburg Pier competition which has asked architecture firms to give the waterfront a bit of a facelift. Here the team has dreamed up a sleek elevated walkway over the Gulf of Mexico which ends in a grand reception at the great roofless rotunda. It seems that this ocular edifice has been inspired by the form of a squid, open in the ceiling and excised of elliptical windows to let the sunlight and sea air seep in. The St. Petersburg Eye rests on a small sandbank, allowing visitors the choice of basking on the island beach or partaking in community events inside the structure. Photo Credits: [Designboom](http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/9/view/17963/west-8-st-petersburg-pier-competition-shortlist.html) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Squid-like Architecture:** Designing architecture inspired by the form of sea creatures, such as squid, can create visually intriguing structures that allow for unique experiences and interactions. - **Elevated Walkways:** Creating elevated walkways over bodies of water can offer visitors breathtaking views and a sense of connection with the surrounding environment. - **Open and Interactive Structures:** Designing structures with open ceilings and plenty of windows can create spaces that invite natural light and fresh air, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** The architecture industry can explore the use of natural forms and unconventional designs to create visually striking and innovative structures. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** The tourism and hospitality industry can leverage the concept of elevated walkways and open structures to enhance visitor experiences and attract more tourists to waterfront destinations. - **Community Events and Recreation:** The community events and recreation industry can utilize structures that offer both indoor and outdoor spaces to host a variety of activities, providing a unique and engaging environment for participants. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Oyster-Shell Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-pier-pavilion.md) - [Red Aluminum Walkway Periscopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunset-hammock.md) - [Salmon Scale-Inspired Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salmon-eye.md) - [Captivating Viewpoint-Integrated Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portlantis.md) - [Romantic Seaside Pier Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seaside-pavilion.md) - [Revitalized Australian Piers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/melbournes-altona-pier.md) - [Aquarium Park Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lmn-architect.md) - [Dynamic Wavy Steel Canopies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheung-sha-wan-pier-canopy.md) - [Sloped Lake Slated Viewpoints](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stone-jetty.md)