# Mirrored Pavilion Creates Infinite Forest Illusion in Shanghai Chang Hao Studio's mobile installation transforms a single tree into an endless mirrored landscape. - **Source:** [architecture archives | designboom | architecture & design magazine](https://brifing.si/source/1e716da2-18e6-4704-96a6-818e7860b99f) - **Published:** 2026-09-23 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/23c2cdc9-a1fb-42b7-939b-c8e9540befa7 ## Optical illusion in urban space The Infinite Grove pavilion uses two curved mirrored-steel walls to create an endless forest illusion from a single tree. Designed by Chang Hao Studio, the structure was first showcased at the 2026 Shanghai International Flower Festival. The pavilion's circular entrance reveals only partial views, gradually unfolding the optical effect as visitors enter. Frosted panels diffuse daylight to blend real and reflected elements, making it hard to distinguish the actual tree from its duplicates. ## Mobile design philosophy The prefabricated pavilion requires no foundations and can be transported on a single truck. Its lightweight construction allows relocation across Shanghai with different seasonal trees. During spring, a flowering azalea created colorful reflections; in summer, an olive tree produced silver-green landscapes. The structure remains unchanged while each new tree completely transforms the interior experience through varied foliage and growth patterns. ## Chinese garden principles The design applies classical Chinese garden concepts of 'kuangjing' (framed views) and 'jiejing' (borrowed scenery) through modern materials. The circular entrance frames partial views like traditional garden windows, while reflections extend the scenery beyond physical limits. Unlike historical references, these principles become active spatial strategies that transform visitor perception within the compact 5-meter diameter structure. ## Material simplicity Only three materials compose the entire pavilion: curved mirrored steel for reflections, frosted panels for light diffusion, and a living tree as the central element. The mirrored walls create the multiplying effect while frosted panels soften daylight. This minimal palette emphasizes the transformative power of reflection over material complexity, with all components designed for easy disassembly and transport. ## Urban festival impact Installed at Shanghai's Huangpu main venue among 40+ themed gardens, the pavilion became part of Xiaohongshu Design Week's expanded festival program. The 2026 Shanghai International Flower Festival attracted 29.5 million visits across two main venues and ten sub-venues. Infinite Grove's mobility allowed it to appear in shopping districts and parks, bringing garden experiences beyond traditional exhibition grounds. ## Visitor experience design The pavilion orchestrates a three-stage revelation: initial partial view through the circular opening, first encounter with the reflected forest, and final realization about the single-tree origin. Visitors become part of the artwork as their figures integrate into the mirrored landscape. The design plays with perception scales, making the small physical space feel infinitely expansive through calculated reflections. ## Sustainable mobility The pavilion's lightweight construction (under 2 tons) and lack of permanent foundations minimize environmental impact at each location. Its prefabricated steel components require no on-site construction, reducing installation time and resource use. By changing only the central tree seasonally, the design achieves visual variety without material waste, contrasting with typical temporary installations. ## Architectural innovation Chang Hao Studio's design reinterprets temporary pavilions through reflection physics rather than physical expansion. The project demonstrates how simple geometric forms can produce complex spatial experiences when combined with natural elements. Its success lies in transforming a basic phenomenon - mirror reflection - into an immersive environment that challenges perception while remaining technically straightforward to deploy. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.designboom.com/architecture/curved-mirrored-steel-walls-one-tree-forest-infinite-grove-pavilion-shanghai-chang-hao-studio/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._