# Copper-Covered Architecture The Meinel Optical Sciences Building is an Abstraction of a Darkroom By Christopher DeLuca | Published 2011-05-08 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meinel-optical-sciences-building References: [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/130522/meinel-optical-sciences-building-richardbauer/) & [richard-bauer](http://www.richard-bauer.com/) The design of the Meinel Optical Sciences building was inspired by photography. The architectural firm Richärd+Bauer explains that its design for the [University of Arizona](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leed-v4-goldrated-schoenecker-center) was created to be an abstraction of a darkroom. Located in Tucson, the Meinel Optical Sciences building evokes the color scheme of a traditional brick building through its [reddened copper alloy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/copper-bottom). The color scheme of the alloy, in addition to the reference to an antiquated method for developing film, tie the building to a past, while the sleek exterior with large windows serves as an introduction to the future. The University of Arizona intends for the Meinel Optical Sciences building to be the first in a series of [new school buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cannady-hall). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 38% | Activity: 8% | 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 ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Photography-inspired Architecture:** Opportunities for creating innovative architectural designs that draw inspiration from photography and incorporate unique visual elements. - **Bringing the Past Into the Future:** Disruptive innovation opportunities by combining traditional and nostalgic elements with modern and futuristic designs. - **Sleek Exterior with Large Windows:** Potential for designing buildings with sleek exteriors and expansive windows, providing a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Opportunities for architects to push boundaries and create visually stunning structures that incorporate photography-inspired design elements. - **Education:** Disruptive innovation opportunities for educational institutions to create unique and visually appealing school buildings that inspire students and enhance the learning environment. - **Construction:** Potential for construction companies to specialize in creating buildings with sleek exteriors and large windows, meeting the growing demand for modern and visually striking architectural designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Gold-Tonal Metal Building Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skylab.md) - [Stainless Steel-Wrapped Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exp-building.md) - [Copper Shell-Enclosed Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/copper-blockhouse.md) - [Stone Building Auditoriums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centre-de-congrs.md) - [Diplomatic Shaded Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/us-consulate-general.md) - [Copper-Extended Brutalist Building](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sirius-building.md) - [Complex University Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leed-v4-goldrated-schoenecker-center.md) - [Landscape-Overlooking Modern Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/telescope-house.md) - [Repurposed Imperfection-Embraced Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/civic-architects-and-vdndp.md)