# Water-Reflected Architecture The National Archives of France Building Features Fluid Seperations By Alexandra Serrano | Published 2013-01-24 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-archives-of-france-building References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2013/01/23/new-national-archives-of-france-by-massimiliano-and-doriana-fuksas/) & [fuksas.it](http://www.fuksas.it/intro/) An important facet of the country's culture, the [National Archives of France](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ignacio-prego-architectures) building will house historic documents. The modern construction was designed by Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas of the Italian firm Fuksas Studio. Located north of Paris, the building features a [glazed facade](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diller-scofidio-renfro2) with diamond-shaped motifs in aluminum. There is a transparency to the cantilevered volumes that is reflected by the [pool surfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aquapraa) that separate them. Artist Antony Gormley has created sculptures that appear to float slightly above the water making for a surreal and fascinating addition. The National Archives of France building will house office spaces, an archival reading room and a conference room. Perhaps the most striking facet of this construction is the playful mirror surfaces, subtly suggesting that visitors take the time to reflect on history. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 51% | 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 - **Water-reflected Architecture:** Innovative architectural designs with water reflections incorporated to produce stunning optical effects and surreal experiences. - **Fluid Separations:** Utilizing fluid dynamics in architecture to create a unique visual appearance and increase energy efficiency. - **Transparency:** Use of transparent materials that amplify natural light, create a sense of openness, and provide a unique viewing experience for visitors. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture and Design:** Opportunities for architects and designers to incorporate fluid dynamics, transparency, and water reflections in their designs to create unique and memorable experiences for their clients. - **Tourism:** The incorporation of these trends in hotels, public spaces, and museums can attract tourists seeking novel experiences and contribute to the growth of the tourism industry. - **Environmental Sustainability:** Water reflections can also be used to create a more sustainable and energy-efficient environment in buildings, thus providing an opportunity for the sustainability industry to incorporate these elements in their projects. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Urban Natural Expansive Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-national-des-forts.md) - [Textured Glass Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/helsinki-design-and-architecture-museum.md) - [Fish Scale-Resembling Facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/istanbul-modern.md) - [Water Flow-Inspired Art Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nanhai-arts-center.md) - [Slim Concrete-Framed Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dday-museum.md) - [Dynamic Military Archive Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pritzker-military-archives-center.md) - [Cloud-Like French Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mon-nuage.md) - [Harmoniously Designed Champagne House](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nicolas-ruinart-pavilion.md) - [Adaptive Paris Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-fondation-cartier.md)