# Spiraling Civic Centers The Work of Kengo Kuma Adorns Australia with a Building Named the Exchange By Kalin Ned | Published 2020-01-28 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-work-of-kengo-kuma References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2020/01/28/kengo-kumas-exchange-darling-square-sydney-australia/) The work of [Kengo Kuma](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/audeum-museum) has been known to exhibit strong contemporary properties with [lightweight materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anthony-timberlands) that are arranged in a strikingly sculptural way. The architect's latest endeavor completes a civic center that is open to the public in Sydney, Australia -- in Darling Square, to be exact. Dubbed 'The Exchange,' the modern structure is Kengo Kuma's first project on the continent. The Exchange boasts a [continuous spiraling silhouette](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pasona-natureverse-pavilion) that is "wrapped in 20,000 meters of light-colored wood." The way it is realized allows passersby to steal small glimpses of what is happening inside the civic center. Kuma chose a "circular geometry" for this building as this shape allows a degree of accessibility. That is, people can observe it from all sides equally. Image Credit: [Martin Mischkulnig](https://martinmischkulnig.com/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 31% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: 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 - **Sculptural Architecture:** Disruptive innovation opportunities can be explored in creating bold and visually striking architectural designs using lightweight materials. - **Circular Geometry:** Opportunities for disruptive innovation lie in utilizing circular shapes and structures to increase accessibility and create visually captivating spaces. - **Wooden Facades:** Innovative solutions can be developed by exploring lightweight wooden facades to create unique and eco-friendly architectural designs. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** Architects can explore disruptive innovation by incorporating sculptural designs, circular geometries, and sustainable materials into their projects. - **Construction:** Disruptive innovation opportunities can be found in developing new construction techniques to construct lightweight and visually appealing structures with wooden facades. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** Incorporating sculptural and visually captivating architectural designs in hotels, resorts, and public spaces can create unique experiences for tourists and visitors. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Art Center Sweeping Canopies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centro-de-arte-moderna-gulbenkian.md) - [Curved Sculptural Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alberni.md) - [Sleek Spiralling Ramp Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/czech-pavilion.md) - [Spiralling Stainless-Steel Cultural Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/010-building.md) - [Harbour Artful Pavilion Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sydney-modern.md) - [Contemporary Culture Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tselinny-center.md) - [Low-Tech Cathedral Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exchange-pavilion.md) - [Compact Public Art Kiosks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hiroshima-architecture-exhibition.md) - [Vast Wooden Structural Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grand-ring.md)