# Never-Ending Spiral Stairs 'Usher Hall' by Speirs + Major Goes M.C. Escher By Amelia Roblin | Published 2010-11-23 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/usher-hall-by-speirs-major References: [kindalikethis.wordpress](http://kindalikethis.wordpress.com/2010/11/22/speirs-major-usher-hall-edinburgh/) & [speirsandmajor](http://www.speirsandmajor.com/work/architecture/usher_hall/) The old Edinburgh theatre has been transformed into the brand new 'Usher Hall' by Speirs + Major, with an intricate addition that breathes new life into the classical structure. Bringing in steel and grey stone to counter the soft marbles and gilded detailing of the original building, the architects set off the renovations with the iconic spiral staircase and an ultramodern cylindrical "chandelier." Sometimes it's best to keep such timeless structures untouched, but in the case of 'Usher Hall' by Speirs + Major, this ravishing reno succeeds at complementing the historical style while inventing a new one. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Innovative Renovations:** The 'Usher Hall' renovation showcases the potential for bringing modern design elements and materials into historical buildings. - **Iconic Spiral Stairs:** The inclusion of a spiral staircase in the renovation of 'Usher Hall' highlights the timeless appeal of this architectural feature. - **Ultramodern Lighting:** The installation of an ultramodern cylindrical 'chandelier' at 'Usher Hall' demonstrates the potential for merging traditional and contemporary lighting designs. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** The architectural industry can explore innovative ways to renovate historical buildings while preserving their original charm. - **Interior Design:** Interior designers can draw inspiration from the 'Usher Hall' renovation to create harmonious combinations of classical and modern elements. - **Lighting Design:** The lighting design industry has an opportunity to develop unique and striking lighting fixtures that blend traditional and contemporary aesthetics. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Restored British Music Venues](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sheppard-robson.md) - [Performance Hall Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/powell-hall.md) - [Concrete Spiral Staircase Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cadenza.md) - [Sculptural Townhome Staircases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atelier-pierre-thibault-1.md) - [Sophisticated Ballroom Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sophisticated-ballroom.md) - [Dutch Barn Spiralled Staircase](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/julia-van-beuningen.md) - [Sleek Spiralling Ramp Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/czech-pavilion.md) - [Stone Building Auditoriums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centre-de-congrs.md) - [19th-Century-Inspired Seating Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scottish-designers.md)