# Floating Opera Houses The Egg by Paul Andreu is Surrounded by an Artificial Lake By Meghan Young | Published 2011-05-11 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-egg References: [dvice](http://dvice.com/archives/2011/05/image-of-the-da-189.php) & [chncpa.org](http://www.chncpa.org/) If you ever needed an excuse to travel to Beijing, China, I suggest you consider The Egg. This stunning structure happens to look like it is floating on water. Considering that it is the building for the [National Centre for the Performing Arts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/this-is-air) (NCPA), I shouldn't be so surprised that it has taken quite a theatrical aesthetic. Designed by French architect Paul Andreu, The Egg is constructed out of titanium and glass for a singularly breathtaking look. It has been [surrounded by an artificial lake](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jinji-lake-pavilion). Comprised of three halls, The Egg is able to seat over 5000 people. Although The Egg has, quite obviously, been compared to the shape of an egg, I prefer its comparison to a water drop. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 66% | Activity: 59% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Floating Structures:** Opportunity to explore innovative designs for buildings that appear to be floating on water. - **Theatrical Architecture:** Opportunity to incorporate dramatic and artistic elements into architectural designs for performance venues. - **Unique Venue Experiences:** Opportunity to create memorable experiences for visitors through unconventional architectural concepts. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** Opportunity for architects to push boundaries and create visually stunning and unique structures. - **Performing Arts:** Opportunity for the performing arts industry to enhance the audience experience by hosting shows in visually striking venues. - **Travel and Tourism:** Opportunity for the travel and tourism industry to attract visitors by promoting unique architectural landmarks as tourist attractions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Everchanging Water-Based Theaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yichang-grand-theatre.md) - [Lakeside Cultural Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/isola-della-mus.md) - [Ring-Shaped Open-Air Amphitheaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luhu-ring-of-starlight.md) - [Airborne Concert Halls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arka-nova.md) - [Sculptural Photocoltaic Theater Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/opera-and-ballet-theatre-of-kosovo.md) - [Reflective Hemispherical Theater Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ball-theater.md) - [Fly Saucer-Shaped Structural Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-never-hut.md) - [Structural Concrete Arts Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nanchang-oct.md) - [Lunar-Based Rotating Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moon-pavilion.md)