# Nature-Infused High-Rises This Tree-Inspired Building Has Branch Like Balconies By Michael Baxter | Published 2014-04-02 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treeinspired-building References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/art/fakus-pencil-case-collection-tricks-the-eye-03-31-2014/) & [sou-fujimoto.net](http://www.sou-fujimoto.net/) For those who don't want to choose between nature and the city, this [tree-inspired building](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wonderwoods-vertical-forest) provides the best of both worlds. The building was created by the Sou Fujimoto architecture firm and will look to change the general perception of [high-rise buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muraba-veil). The building is called L'Arbre Blanc, which means white tree in French and it will be just one of 12 similar pieces called 'architectural follies'. The building mimics nature in that the building itself is the tree with the [balconies becoming the leaves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-under-the-poplars). The balconies do this by being placed in a staggered position to mimic the random alignment of leaves on a tree branch. The alignment of the leaf balconies isn't random either. They catch light at different times and are aimed at people with different kinds of lifestyles. Photo Credits: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/art/fakus-pencil-case-collection-tricks-the-eye-03-31-2014/), [sou-fujimoto.net](http://www.sou-fujimoto.net/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 98% | Activity: 78% | 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) > [Home](https://www.trendhunter.com/home) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Nature-inspired Buildings:** Developing high-rise buildings that mimic nature can change the general perception of urban living and provide better mental wellness to urban dwellers. - **Smart Balconies:** Creating staggered balconies to mimic randomly aligned leaves on a tree branch can provide different lifestyles to urban dwellers and also save energy through controlled light entering the building. - **Sustainable Living:** Designing a building that integrates natural elements can provide a sustainable living space that utilizes natural resources and reduces carbon footprint. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture and Design:** Architecture firms can explore developing nature-inspired high-rises using sustainable materials to create living spaces that integrate the benefits of nature and city living for urban dwellers. - **Real Estate:** Developers can invest in real estate projects that prioritize sustainability, nature-inspired design and smart construction techniques to cater to the growing urban population that seek healthy living spaces amidst a concrete jungle. - **Building Material Manufacturing:** Companies that manufacture sustainable building materials can target the growing demand for nature-inspired buildings and smart construction techniques that prioritize energy efficient and environment-friendly designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Forested Residential Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-bath.md) - [Greenery-Filled Skyscraper Terrarium](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terrarium-cheongdam.md) - [Plant-Filled Latticed Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touching-eden-house.md) - [Rurally-Inspired City Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ziel-highrise-building.md) - [Nature-Immersive Tranquil Resorts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treehouse-villas.md) - [Forest Tower Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wonderwoods-vertical-forest.md) - [Urban Natural Expansive Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-national-des-forts.md) - [Elevated Treetop Modern Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buitenverblijf-nest.md) - [Apple Tree-Surrounding Glass Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acdf.md)