Invisible Building Illusion

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This Invisible Building Illusion taken of a building in Singapore is a “vanishing point” illusion or “vanishing edge” effect.

This occurs when the glass building has a highly reflective surface and the angle of reflection is such that the reflected image appears to merge with the background scenery, making one side of the building seem to disappear. This effect is often used in modern architecture to create the illusion of a seamless integration between the building and the surrounding environment.

If you are interested in learning more about how the Invisible Building Illusion works, scroll down to read more about it.

Invisible Building Illusion
Artist Pearl Whitecrow Brown


Table of Contents

What is the Invisible Building Illusion?

The Invisible Building Illusion is a “vanishing point” illusion or “vanishing edge” effect which occurs when the glass building has a highly reflective surface and the angle of reflection is such that the reflected image appears to merge with the background scenery, making one side of the building seem to disappear. This effect is often used in modern architecture to create the illusion of a seamless integration between the building and the surrounding environment.

How does the Invisible Building Illusion Work?

The Invisible Building Illusion is a vanishing edge illusion that occurs when a highly reflective glass building reflects the surrounding scenery in such a way that the reflected image appears to merge with the background. This creates the impression that one side of the building has no physical boundary or edge, and blends seamlessly with the environment.

The illusion is created due to the way light reflects off the surface of the glass. When light hits the glass at a certain angle, it reflects off the surface at an angle that is equal to the angle of incidence. This means that the reflected image appears to be a continuation of the scenery behind the building, as if the building’s glass surface is transparent.

The illusion is further enhanced by the angle of observation. If you are standing in a certain position where you can see both the building and its reflection, your brain tries to make sense of the conflicting information it is receiving from both sources. As a result, your brain may perceive the reflection as a continuation of the scenery behind the building, leading to the vanishing edge effect.

Architects can intentionally use this effect to create visually stunning buildings that seem to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. It’s worth noting that this effect is highly dependent on lighting conditions and the viewer’s angle of observation, so it may not be present at all times of day or from all vantage points.

Some Similar Illusions

There are many illusions like the Invisible Building Illusion that involve the perception of depth, distance, or perspective. Here are a few examples:

  1. Forced perspective: This illusion involves using scale and perspective to create the impression that objects or spaces are larger or smaller than they actually are. For example, a photograph of a person holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa may create the impression that the tower is smaller than it really is.
  2. Anamorphosis: This illusion involves distorting an image so that it appears normal only when viewed from a certain angle or with a certain tool, such as a cylindrical mirror or a special lens.
  3. Op art: Op art, short for optical art, is a style of art that uses optical illusions to create the impression of movement, depth, or other effects. This can include patterns that appear to vibrate, shimmer, or warp.
  4. Trompe l’oeil: This illusion involves creating an image that is so realistic it appears three-dimensional or as if it is a part of the physical space it is in. This can include paintings of doors or windows that appear to be open or objects that appear to be hanging off the wall.

All of these illusions use visual cues to create the impression of something that is not actually there or to challenge our perception of what is real.

Use of the Invisible Building Illusion

Several artists and architects have used the vanishing point illusion like the Invisible Building Illusion in their work. Here are a few examples:

  1. Leandro Erlich: Argentine artist Leandro Erlich is known for his large-scale installations that use optical illusions to create surreal environments. One of his most famous works is “Dalston House,” a building facade in London that appears to be suspended in mid-air.
  2. Claes Oldenburg: American sculptor Claes Oldenburg created a series of sculptures in the 1960s that used the vanishing point illusion to create the impression of objects disappearing into the ground. One of his most famous works is “Giant Three-Way Plug,” a giant electrical plug that appears to be partially sunk into the ground.
  3. James Turrell: American artist James Turrell creates installations that explore the nature of light and perception. His work often involves using light projections and architectural interventions to create immersive environments that challenge our perception of space and depth.
  4. Norman Foster: British architect Norman Foster is known for his sleek, modernist buildings that often incorporate reflective surfaces and use the vanishing point illusion to create a sense of depth and scale. One of his most famous works is the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank building in Hong Kong, which features a mirrored facade that reflects the surrounding skyline.


References and Resources

In addition to the Invisible Building Illusion, check out our complete list of illusions.

Singapore is a sovereign city-state and island country located in Southeast Asia.

It is one of the smallest countries in the world, with a total land area of just 728.3 square kilometers (281.2 square miles).

The country is located at the southern end of the Malay Peninsula, and is separated from Indonesia to the south by the Singapore Strait and from Malaysia to the north by the Johor Strait.

Singapore is a highly developed and prosperous country with a diverse economy, strong financial sector, and a population of over 5.7 million people.

It is known for its cleanliness, safety, efficient transportation system, and world-class attractions, including Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa Island.

Singapore is also known for its strict laws and regulations, including laws related to littering, chewing gum, and drug offenses.

Invisible Building Illusion

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