The E.U.’s New Digs

As tensions mount within the E.U., its new Brussels headquarters aims to emphasize unity. Designed chiefly by architect Philippe Samyn, the $340 million building touts a see-through exterior, an acknowledgment of the group’s principle of transparency. Inside the orb (where the meeting rooms are), a pixel-like design motif of multicolored rectangles is meant to reflect collaboration within the E.U. without evoking any particular flag. The most practical feature, however, might be the giant round conference table–which, unlike its angular predecessor, allows all E.U. leaders to see one another at once.

–Julia Zorthian

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