# Staircase Seating Systems Steps by Geof Ramsay Reconsiders the Use of the Structural Element By Amelia Roblin | Published 2012-05-17 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steps-by-geof-ramsay References: [designspotter](http://www.designspotter.com/product/2012/05/Steps.html) & [geoframsay](http://geoframsay.com/Steps) It isn't unusual for a second purpose to be discovered of a common object and Steps by Geof Ramsay demonstrates this concept quite cleverly. Stairs were developed as an ergonomic system to give people access to elevated levels within a landscape or a building, but they have long been employed casually for other functions. The steps at the entrance of buildings make for [convenient seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floating-bench) while eating one's lunch or waiting to meet a friend. They afford pedestrians a place to repose with their bottoms on one tread and their feet on another. A [staircase as a chair](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sisto) is what this designer wished to explore with his [bare wooden piece](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pere-chair). Of the three constructed footfalls, the middle surface of Steps by Geof Ramsay becomes an armchair with a backrest. Cushions can be applied for added comfort and the flanking treads make great side tables or additional perches. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 71% | Activity: 59% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Dual-purpose Design:** Exploring the potential for common objects to serve multiple functions. - **Ergonomic Innovations:** Reimagining everyday objects to optimize user comfort and convenience. - **Repurposed Furniture:** Transforming traditional furniture designs into unconventional seating solutions. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Furniture Design:** Opportunity to create innovative furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes. - **Interior Design:** Potential to incorporate dual-purpose furniture into residential and commercial spaces. - **Urban Planning:** Integration of ergonomic seating solutions into public spaces and urban landscapes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Reimagined Traditional Library Ladders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/step-by-step-ladder.md) - [Sculptural Public Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-public-seating.md) - [Multifaceted Geometric Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stackable-stools.md) - [Table-Equipped Seating Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/migo-chair.md) - [Storage-Attached Chair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grid-chair.md) - [Intuitive Entryway Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-front-stool.md) - [Recycled Scissor-Like Folding Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fauld-chair.md) - [Fan-Shaped Stackable Stool Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stool-concept.md) - [East-Meets-West-Inspired Layered Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cornice.md)