# Curvilinear Caged Architecture The Cairns Institute Design is Inspired by Tropical Landscapes By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2013-11-19 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-cairns-institute References: [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/444243/the-cairns-institute-nil-james-cook-university-woods-bagot-rpa-architects/) & [woodsbagot](http://www.woodsbagot.com/category/architecture) The Cairns Institute at James Cook University designed by [Woods Bagot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woods-retreat) + RPA Architects is the new home for a [tropical research center](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ocean-eye). The façade of the building takes inspiration from the landscapes of northern Queensland with a trellis-inspired skin that encapsulates the building. As well, the [trellis provides sun control](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tapmi-center) and other features that help to make the building naturally more comfortable to be in. It was important for the design of The Cairns Institute building to be hi-tech and sustainable, serving as a representation of the school itself and its devotion to the research and study to create sustainable tropical ecosystems. Although the shape of the building itself is quite dynamic, the design by Woods Bagot + RPA Architects blends quite beautifully and seamlessly into the greenery that surrounds it. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 45% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Sustainable Building Design:** The Cairns Institute's trellis-inspired skin demonstrates an opportunity for sustainable building design in tropical landscapes. - **Integration of Hi-tech Features:** The hi-tech features in The Cairns Institute provide a disruptive innovation opportunity for integrating advanced technology into architectural design. - **Naturally Comfortable Spaces:** The use of sun control and other natural features in The Cairns Institute highlights the trend of creating naturally comfortable spaces in building design. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture and Design:** The innovative design of The Cairns Institute showcases potential opportunities for advancements in architecture and design. - **Sustainable Technology:** The sustainable features of The Cairns Institute open up new possibilities for the development of sustainable technology in the construction industry. - **Tropical Research and Education:** The Cairns Institute's focus on sustainable tropical ecosystems creates opportunities for collaboration and advancements in the field of tropical research and education. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dynamic Sculptrual Research Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ragon-intitute.md) - [Sustainable Canopy Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-solai.md) - [Plant-Filled Latticed Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touching-eden-house.md) - [Living Landscape Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hedge-and-arbour-house.md) - [Greenery-Surrounding Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creek-cabin.md) - [Timber Research Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anthony-timberlands.md) - [Cultural Green Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taichung-green.md) - [Spiralled Roof Horticultural Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-leaf-1.md) - [Therapeutic Architecture Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heartland-whole-health-institute.md)