# Illuminated Polka-Dot Courtyards The Städel Museum Extension Fuses Traditional and Modern By Jana Pijak | Published 2012-05-19 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/staedel-museum-extension References: [frameweb](http://www.frameweb.com/news/stadel-museum-extension) & [schneider-schumacher.de](http://www.schneider-schumacher.de/) The Städel Museum Extension was designed by Schneider+Schumacher Architekten, a company that infused the historical space with a modern design. Adding a 3000-sq-m addition to the cultural center, Till Schneider of Schneider + Schumacher has created a [subterranean structure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cmp-inspiration) that aims to display the museum's contemporary art collection. Situated below ground, the vast and versatile space rises to the surface of the [museum's gorgeous garden courtyard](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunner-museum). It features 195 circular skylights that are arranged in a linear pattern. The illuminated polka-dot resembling sequence graces the building's grassy and open area giving it a sleek and future-friendly vibe. From countless exhibitions to important events, the Städel Museum Extension is home to a series of interlocked and [multi-functional gallery spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crow-museum-of-asian-art). From its historical facade to its contemporary courtyard, this awe-inspiring museum leaves a lasting impression on its visitors. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 9% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Subterranean Design:** A trend in architecture where structures are built below ground, offering unique and versatile spaces for various purposes. - **Illuminated Skylights:** An emerging trend in design where circular skylights with LED lighting are used to create visually striking patterns and lighting effects in buildings. - **Combining Tradition and Modernity:** A trend in architectural design that seeks to blend historical elements with modern aesthetics, resulting in visually stunning and innovative spaces. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Architecture firms can explore subterranean designs and innovative lighting techniques to create cutting-edge and visually stunning structures. - **Art and Culture:** Museums and cultural centers can embrace the trend of combining tradition and modernity to create immersive and captivating spaces for art exhibitions and events. - **Lighting Design:** Lighting companies can capitalize on the demand for innovative lighting solutions by developing and producing customized skylights with advanced LED technology. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Color-Blocked Contemporary Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mkg.md) - [Harbour Artful Pavilion Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sydney-modern.md) - [Vibrant Museum Foyer Renovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/museum-foyer.md) - [Sculptural Museum Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diller-scofidio-renfro1.md) - [Textured Glass Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/helsinki-design-and-architecture-museum.md) - [Curved Green Roof-Topped Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunner-museum.md) - [Performance Hall Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/powell-hall.md) - [Color-Shifting Art Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-quartet-songzhuang-z-museum.md) - [Cave-Like Discovery-Themed Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gilder-center.md)