# Forest-Reflecting Buildings The Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre is Mirror-Clad By Alexandra Serrano | Published 2013-03-12 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cairns-botanic-gardens-visitors-centre References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2013/03/11/cairns-botanic-gardens-visitors-centre-by-charles-wright/) & [wrightarchitects.au](http://www.wrightarchitects.com.au/) Blending with its surrounding area, the Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre was designed by Charles Wright Architects. The building is meant to serve the dual purpose of creating a gateway between the surrounding gardens whilst seamlessly existing in the midst of the greenery. Featuring a mixture of plants from both Australia and Southeast Asia, the garden's plant life is spectacular and reflected in the building's mirror-clad exterior. In addition, the reflective facade is comprised of several panels, creating a fragmented image of the surrounding forest area. This camouflaging effect was inspired by the suit worn in the 1987 film Predator by the alien hunter. With such an interesting concept and design, the Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre is sure to captivate all park-goers' attention. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 48% | Activity: 32% | 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) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Mirror-clad Buildings:** Opportunity to create buildings that blend with their surroundings using mirror-clad exteriors. - **Camouflaging Architecture:** Potential to design buildings with fragmented images that mimic the surrounding environment. - **Nature-inspired Design:** Trend towards incorporating natural elements and plant life into architectural designs. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Possibility for architects to explore innovative building designs that harmonize with their natural surroundings. - **Tourism:** Opportunity to create unique visitor experiences through the integration of nature-inspired architectural designs. - **Film and Entertainment:** Potential for filmmakers and designers to draw inspiration from the camouflaging concept showcased in the movie Predator. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Living Landscape Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hedge-and-arbour-house.md) - [Mirrored-Detailed Garden Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nana-coffee-roasters.md) - [Plant-Filled Latticed Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touching-eden-house.md) - [Botanical Visitor Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-ark-pavilion.md) - [Mushroom-Like Wooden Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carbon-garden-pavilion.md) - [Sustainable Visitor Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-arc.md) - [Reflective Indoor Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-caviar.md) - [Sleek Garden-Edge Renovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waverley-house.md) - [Bamboo Forest Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazon-rainforest-pavilion.md)