# Mirrored Canopy Structures The Port Vieux Pavilion is Reminiscent of Chicago's Cloud Gate By Meghan Young | Published 2013-03-05 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/port-vieux-pavilion References: [thisiscolossal](http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2013/03/the-port-vieux-pavilion-a-mirrored-canopy-constructed-on-a-french-wharf/) & [fosterandpartners](http://www.fosterandpartners.com/news/president-of-marseille-leads-opening-celebrations-for-new-vieux-port-pavilion/) The Port Vieux Pavilion is reminiscent of British artist Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate in Chicago, Illinois. Although they are nothing alike in form, the latter has been knick-named the 'Bean' while the former has a thin horizontal plane, they both have a [mirror-finish that attracts people](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radius-transformation-pavilion) like a shopaholic to a sample sale. Recently unveiled at the World Heritage-listed harbor in Marseille, France, the Port Vieux Pavilion was designed by architecture firm [Foster + Partners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/america-250-time-capsule). Made out of highly polished stainless steel, it measures a whopping 150 feet long, which is half the size of a football field. A [surreal canopied structure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/piloti-canopy), the Port Vieux Pavilion gives the illusion that people could be peering into another dimension and seeing another version of themselves or perhaps even undergoing an Inception-like experience. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 36% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: 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 - **Mirrored Canopy Structures:** Opportunity for architectural firms to incorporate mirror-finish structures in their designs, creating visually stunning and immersive experiences for visitors. - **Mirror-finish Design:** Potential for interior design industry to explore mirror-finish materials and create unique and visually striking spaces. - **Illusionary Architecture:** Opportunity for innovative architects to create structures that challenge perception and offer a surreal experience for visitors. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Architecture firms can leverage mirrored canopy structures to create iconic landmarks and attractions. - **Interior Design:** Interior designers can incorporate mirror-finish materials to create stunning and visually engaging spaces. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** Hotels and tourism establishments can utilize illusionary architecture to provide unique experiences for guests and attract visitors. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Reflective Indoor Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-caviar.md) - [Code-Generated Pavilion Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-orb.md) - [Cantilevered Porous Steel Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baker-creek-pavilion.md) - [Interactive Architectural Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folding-landscape.md) - [Children-Collaborative Design Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reflect-pavilion.md) - [Dynamic Wavy Steel Canopies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheung-sha-wan-pier-canopy.md) - [Coral-Shaped Bulbous Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marc-fornes.md) - [Pyramid-Roof Glass Greenhouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-pavilion.md) - [Star-Shaped Structural Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archipelagic-void.md)