# Spiraling Living Staircases Paul Cocksedge's Design Encourages Relaxation and Creative Thinking By Meghan Young | Published 2015-06-21 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/living-staircase References: [contemporist](http://www.contemporist.com/2015/06/20/this-spiral-staircase-has-zones-for-relaxation-and-creative-thinking/) & [paulcocksedgestudio](http://www.paulcocksedgestudio.com/en/) The Living Staircase by Paul Cocksedge may have been conceived a couple of years ago, but that doesn't mean the real thing isn't still impressive. Recently completed, it is not the [sculptural centrepiece](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ladder-series) of the Ampersand Building in London, England. It [spirals upwards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/czech-pavilion) in a majestic way, made more so by the presence of plants in place of the more typical handrail. This detail is what gives life to the Living Staircase. Yet the Living Staircase breeds more than fresh air, it also encourages relaxation and creative thinking for those residing in the building. Cocksedge says, “If a staircase is essentially about going from A to B, there is now a whole world living and breathing in the space between the two. I hope the Living Staircase will be used in ways we hadn’t at all expected! This is the beauty of it: it allows so much space for all kinds of activities. I’m really looking forward to Ampersand’s staff taking over the structure and making it totally their own.” ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 83% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Home](https://www.trendhunter.com/home) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Living Architecture:** Using plants as a design element in architecture, creating not only beautiful spaces but also promoting healthier living environments. - **Staircase Redesigned:** Creating more than just a functional staircase, but also encouraging a creative environment through innovative design. - **Sculptural Centrepieces:** Designing large architectural structures as works of art that promote beauty and practicality in equal measure. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Incorporating living elements into buildings that can promote wellness and creativity. - **Interior Design:** Creating a functional yet aesthetically pleasing environment that boosts creativity and wellness. - **Construction:** Exploring innovative design possibilities that go beyond typical structural requirements to promote aesthetic and functional design elements. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Concrete Spiral Staircase Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cadenza.md) - [Elevated Leisure Habitats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elevated-leisure-habitat.md) - [Dutch Barn Spiralled Staircase](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/julia-van-beuningen.md) - [Sculptural Townhome Staircases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atelier-pierre-thibault-1.md) - [Timbered Passage Stair Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-annex.md) - [Organic Spiral Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pasona-natureverse-pavilion.md) - [Remodelled Staircase-Centric Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cobalt-coach-house.md) - [Energetic Green Retail Makeovers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/longchamp-store.md) - [Dynamic Bookend Lighting Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stair-table.md)