Most buildings that are inspired by nature take their inspiration is subtle ways, but a new building on the shores of Yangcheng Lake, in Kunshan, China, takes natural inspiration a little more literally. The newly opened ecology center is designed to look like a scale model of a mitten crab, the popular Chinese delicacy commonly fished out of Yangcheng Lake.
Though the building is three stories high and 75 meters long at its farthest edges — significantly larger than the palm-sized crustacean — it's a perfect representation of a mitten crab in every other respect. Mitten crabs are so named because of the furry bristles that extend from their front claws, and the stainless steel on the front claws of the building is textured to replicate that soft fur.
The commercial and entertainment center will serve as a learning experience for visitors hoping to better understand the aquatic life in the region.
Crabby Ecology Centers
The Ecology Center on Yangcheng Lake is Inspired by the Lake's Top Delicacy
Trend Themes
1. Nature-inspired Architecture - There is an opportunity to create more buildings inspired by nature to increase the appeal and beauty of commercial and entertainment centers.
2. Replication of Delicacy Aesthetics - There is an opportunity to replicate the aesthetics of popular foods, such as the mitten crab in China, to create unique and immersive architectural experiences that attract and educate visitors.
3. Incorporation of Textures - There is an opportunity to incorporate texture in architecture, to imitate the characteristics of natural objects, and improve the aesthetics of commercial and entertainment centers.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - There is an opportunity for architects to incorporate nature, popular delicacies, and texture into their designs to create unique and more immersive buildings.
2. Tourism - There is an opportunity to create more architecturally inspired entertainment centers, like the Yangcheng Lake ecology center, which could attract and educate tourists about the aquatic life in local regions.
3. Restaurant - There is an opportunity to create immersive restaurant experiences that replicate the aesthetics of popular delicacies, perhaps even in the architecture and decor of the restaurants themselves, to create an atmosphere that complements the food served.