# Timber-Covered Community Centers UID Architects Have Designed the COCOCHI Building By Jamie Danielle Munro | Published 2014-04-04 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uid-architects References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/architecture/uid-architects-comfort-gallery-hiroshima-04-03-2014/) & [maeda-inc.jp](http://www.maeda-inc.jp/uid/) Located in Hiroshima, Japan, UID Architects have completed the COCOCHI [community center](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lakehouse), which hosts numerous events and seminars. The architects opted for a completely wooden revamp, using most timber wrapped around the structure. Working with a pre-existing building, UID was forced to get creative with their thinking, since they weren't working completely from scratch. The result is a box-like structure that's also supported by large wooden beams on the outside. One of the goals of the project was to make the entire building look quite natural, and fit in well with the surrounding nature. As such, UID Architects used a material that's found everywhere you turn when in the area. Now, people can come to this community and take part in events and get-togethers in style. Photo Credits: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/architecture/uid-architects-comfort-gallery-hiroshima-04-03-2014/), [maeda-inc.jp](http://www.maeda-inc.jp/uid/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.5/10 - Popularity: 6% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Wooden Community Centers:** There is a growing trend in designing community centers using wood to create a natural look and feel. - **Revamping Old Buildings:** More architects are using existing structures as a starting point, creating innovative new designs without starting from scratch. - **Integrating with Surrounding Nature:** Architecture is moving towards designs that blend in with the natural world, using materials and shapes that fit seamlessly into the environment. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Architecture firms that specialize in creative uses of wood and natural materials have an opportunity to stand out in this growing trend. - **Construction:** Construction companies that can work with both new and existing structures and integrate natural materials have an advantage in this field. - **Community Development:** Community development groups can benefit from incorporating natural materials and designs that encourage interaction with the surrounding environment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Timber Log-Crafted Cultural Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monio-school-and-cultural-centre.md) - [Vacant Wood-Clad Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ichihara-life-and-work-commission-office.md) - [Concrete Cultural Visitor Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/villagers-home.md) - [Community Support Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-for-all-noroshi.md) - [Modern Multi-Purpose Japanese Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muiltipurpose-japanese-building.md) - [Wooden Resilience Stadiums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fukushima-united.md) - [Cohesive Co-Operative Housing Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sumu-yakashima.md) - [Compact Civic Workspaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stroud-green-housing-centre.md) - [Wood-Framed Housing Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/common-woods.md)