# Optical Illusion Architecture The Oxford Library is Now Adorned with Steel Reflective Panels By Ady Floyd | Published 2015-05-31 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steel-reflective-panels References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/architecture/zaha-hadid-investcorp-building-oxford-university-middle-east-centre-st-antonys-college-05-28-2015/) & [zaha-hadid](http://www.zaha-hadid.com/) Architecht Zaha Hadid has recently completed an [Oxford University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stephen-a-schwarzman-centre) library design using reflective steel panels. This design is featured on the Investicorp Building. The reflective steel panels give the illusion that the building is floating above the earth. The building's face is curved with no visible frame. It swooshes across the courtyard which is a bit sunken into the ground. The actual building is 1,127 square meters. One unique feature in the building is there are ceiling windows shaped like raindrops and the massive lecture hall that seas 117 people. The building is home to Oxford University’s extensive book collection of a modern Middle East archive of private papers and historic photographs. The building is used by scholars only for the intent of research which is why it is designed to look like a hidden building. Photo Credits: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/architecture/zaha-hadid-investcorp-building-oxford-university-middle-east-centre-st-antonys-college-05-28-2015/), [zaha-hadid](http://www.zaha-hadid.com/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 66% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% 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 - **Reflective Steel Panels in Architecture:** Opportunity to create visually striking buildings that appear to be floating and have no visible frames. - **Curved Architecture Design:** Chance to redefine architectural structures with unique curves and swooping designs. - **Hidden Building Designs:** Potential to create buildings that blend seamlessly into their surroundings and give off an air of mystery. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Opportunity for architects to push the boundaries of design and create visually stunning structures. - **Construction:** Chance to explore new construction techniques and materials to bring inventive architectural designs to life. - **Education:** Potential to create innovative learning environments that inspire and engage students through creative architecture. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Perforated Shadow-Casting Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mariams-library.md) - [Mobile Glass Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-libreria.md) - [Juxtaposing Angular Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brixen-public-library.md) - [Temporary Translucent Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-liberia.md) - [Glass-Lined Towering Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beijing-city-library.md) - [Dynamic Geometric Library Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yellamundie.md) - [Wood-Wrapped Contemporary Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graded-school-library.md) - [Metal Sheet-Facade Book Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shanghai-book-city.md) - [Revolving Bright Kinetic Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/library-of-light.md)