# Curvilinear Mirrored Architecture The Australian Plant Bank Curves to Merge with the Land By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-06-13 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/australian-plant-bank References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2014/06/12/australian-plant-bank-bvn-donovan-hill-seed-preservation/) & [donovanhill.au](http://www.donovanhill.com.au/) Australian firm BVN Donovan Hill Architects designed the 'Australian Plant Bank' for the Royal Botanical Gardens at Mount Annan.The building functions as a research facility, equipped with both [laboratories and archiving accommodations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heartland-whole-health-institute), committed to indigenous seed preservation. The building also accounts for visitors; exhibition rooms have been provided, allowing guests to observe the researchers as they work. The complex has been divided into two wings, between which a recessed pathway leads into the building. Of the building's orientation, the architects explain, "Going under the east wing of the building –- nominally passing under the ground –- the building curves to the north and merges with the land." Meanwhile, the facade is made up of interspersed [mirrored panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folded-protein-molecule), which are sandwiched between large windows. The windows are shielded by an alternating array of punctuated metal screens and protruding louvres. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 12% | 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) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sustainable Architecture:** AI technology can be applied to optimize the energy efficiency and material usage of sustainable architecture designs. - **Biophilic Design:** Incorporating natural elements, such as vegetation and natural lighting, into architectural designs can boost human well-being and productivity. - **Interactive Visitor Experience:** The integration of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies can enhance the visitor experience in exhibition spaces. ### Where This Applies - **Architectural Design:** Architects can leverage digital tools and computational design techniques to create innovative and visually striking architectural structures. - **Sustainable Construction:** The construction industry can explore new materials and construction methods to improve the sustainability of buildings and reduce environmental impact. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** The tourism industry can adopt immersive technologies to create unique and interactive experiences for visitors in museums, exhibition spaces, and tourist attractions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Spiralled Roof Horticultural Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-leaf-1.md) - [Mirrored Panel Tropical Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frame-garden.md) - [Botanical Visitor Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-ark-pavilion.md) - [Mirrored Terrace Renovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terrace-house-mirage.md) - [Wind-Responsive Panel Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-biodiversity-pavilion.md) - [Mirrored-Detailed Garden Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nana-coffee-roasters.md) - [Illuminated Curved Home Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cereus-house.md) - [Cultural Green Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taichung-green.md) - [Curved Green Roof-Topped Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunner-museum.md)