Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall was an installation featured at the Taubman Architecture Ball, a student-led ball placed right before the intensity of finals season. The installation transformed one of the quieter glass rooms overlooking the commons—the main event floor, known for its vibrant energy and constant activity—into a “reflective” hide out.

Constructed entirely from 100% recycled materials, the installation embraced sustainability both in design and in purpose. This use of repurposed materials carried a deeper message: just as materials can be reclaimed, fixed, and given new purpose, so too can we, as individuals, sustain ourselves and keep going, even when we feel worn or imperfect.

The mirrored room offered a space to explore this parallel. Visitors were enveloped in their own reflections, encouraged to pause, look inward, and consider how they sustain themselves—mentally, physically, and emotionally—to face the challenges of each new day. Dim lighting and a circular arrangement of mirrors guided users through a journey of introspection. Along this path, self-reflective questions were written on the mirrored surfaces inviting individuals to sit with themselves, reflect, and answer using whiteboard markers on the mirror slowly filling up the mirrors.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall was not just a space for rest but a call to recognize our own resilience and ability to adapt. It underscored the importance of finding moments to recharge and repurpose ourselves, ensuring we can continue to perform and thrive even amidst the pressures of life.

All the cardboard was sourced from Taubman college and the mirrors were donated by local residents of Ann Arbor.