# Jagged Candy-Colored Buildings The Academie MWD by Carlos Arroyo Relies on Optical Illusions By Meghan Young | Published 2012-11-29 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/academie-mwd References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/1671321/a-candy-colored-arts-center-that-doubles-as-a-work-of-op-art) & [carlosarroyo.net](http://www.carlosarroyo.net/) The Academie MWD is an unusual bit of architecture that relies on optical illusions to fit in. The area it is situated in provided a unique challenge to the architect. Carlos Arroyo undertook that challenge with no shortage of zeal or creativity. Surrounded by mountains to the south, a protected forest on the north side, a [concert hall](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centre-de-congrs) east and a [suburban neighborhood](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oak-house-1) to the west, the Academie MWD needed to make sense on all sides. The Madrid-based architect achieved that first through its [jagged shape](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shed-architecture-and-design) that mimicked both the mountains and the roofs of the homes. Secondly, the Academie MWD was given a vertically ridged facade that changed depending on the angle it was viewed. Sometimes the Academie MWD looked like a pack of Starburst at other times it disappeared completely due to an image of the forest printed on the other side of the metal slats. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: South America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Optical Illusion Architecture:** Architects using optical illusions in their designs to create visually striking and unique buildings. - **Nature-inspired Facades:** The use of natural elements, such as images of forests, on building facades to create a harmonious blend with the surrounding environment. - **Jagged Structural Designs:** Architects adopting jagged and asymmetrical shapes in their buildings to reflect the natural landscapes and topography. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Architectural firms incorporating optical illusions and nature-inspired designs in their projects. - **Construction:** Construction companies specializing in implementing complex structural designs that mimic natural elements. - **Real Estate Development:** Real estate developers seeking unique and visually appealing designs to attract buyers and stand out in the market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Captivating Facade Residential Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/one-river-north.md) - [Optical Illusion Replica Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liberty-science-center.md) - [Warped Stacked Residence Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quinta-do-rei.md) - [Warped Acrylic Bar Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/awt-bar.md) - [Floating Level Aesthetic Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oak-house-1.md) - [Stone Building Auditoriums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centre-de-congrs.md) - [Tonal Brick-Designed Housing Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/real-de-los-reyes.md) - [Neon Illustation-Donned Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crafted-world-exhibition-1.md) - [Pixelated Illusion Housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/van-b.md)