all images via Paul Cocksedge via Dezeen
Most of you are likely familiar with the concept of a living roof but how about a living staircase? That's what London designer, Paul Cocksedge, created for Ampersand, a creative office also based in London. The design takes a traditional concept of a spiral staircase and elevates the function of moving from floor to floor to also serve as a place for people to "hang out" (to read, to draw, to converse with co-workers, etc.). The design team will expand the diameter and remove the traditional center, load-bearing pillar to create a new "hidden space" in the middle to fit three platforms. The "living staircase" will feature various plants and herbs along the balustrade meant to be taken care of by the people in the community and also allow people to use them (e.g. picking mint for a drink during the day).
The design changes the entire concept of form and function and creates a user friendly experience. How fun would it be to interact with people and socialize in this kind of space?
