# Refillable Ballpoint Pens This Three-Sided Pen is Based on an Architect’s Scale Ruler By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-02-26 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/threesided-pen References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/3057054/wanted/shigeru-ban-designed-the-ultimate-ballpoint-pen-for-architects?partner=rss) & [acmestudio](http://acmestudio.com/products-writing_tools-collezione_materiali/Shigeru_Ban/SCALE_Retractable_Roller_Ball/SCALE_GRAY|/P2SB01RB/) Japanese architect Shigeru Ban recently designed a [refillable ballpoint pen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/refillable-writing-pen) that draws inspiration from an architect's scale ruler. Although many architects now rely on computers to map out their designs, many still prefer the feeling of putting pen to paper. This pen provides a handy solution for draftsmen who need to get their ideas down quickly. The [SCALE](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-scale-collective) Retractable Roller Ball pen is a handy writing implement designed for [ACME Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centro-west). The tool is comprised of a retractable ballpoint pen and a three-sided scale ruler. Each aluminium side boasts six different scales so architects can compose technical drawings with absolute precision. Although the three-sided pen is made for architects, the high-quality writing utensil is perfect for anyone who consistently finds themselves hunting for a ruler while drawing. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## 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 - **Refillable Ballpoint Pens:** Opportunity for creating innovative and sustainable designs for refillable ballpoint pens. - **Architectural Tools:** Disruptive innovation opportunity in developing new and improved architectural tools. - **Precision Drawing Instruments:** Potential for disruptive innovation in the field of precision drawing instruments. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Stationery:** Innovation opportunities in the stationery industry for creating new refillable pen designs. - **Architectural Supplies:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the architectural supplies industry by creating innovative tools for architects. - **Art and Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity in the art and design industry by developing precision drawing instruments for artists and designers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Three-in-One Writing Utensils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tp-pen.md) - [Dual-Functioning Mechanical Pencils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-penpass.md) - [Multifunctional Angular Desktop Rulers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hexagonal-ruler-set.md) - [Elevated Ballpoint Pen Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paperlux-studio.md) - [Geometric Dynamic Stationary](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hexagonal-ruler.md) - [Compact Precise Sketching Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/horizon-helvetica.md) - [Dental Instrument-Inspired Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handwriting-tool.md) - [Recycled Plastic Writing Utensils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mechanical-drop-pencil.md) - [Haute Hybrid Designer Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rotio-compass-and-ruler.md)