Architecture: dRMM's Escher-inspired Endless Stair stars in design festival

Date
23 September 2013

This year’s London Design Festival drew to a close over the weekend and although I left it late I eventually made it down to Tate Modern to check out the landmark project for 2013 – Endless Stair. Created by dRMM Architects and engineering firm Arup, the piece consisted of 15 interlocking tulipwood staircases that came together to lead nowhere, inspired by the paintings of M.C. Escher.

What struck me about the work seeing it finally in the flesh was not just that it was a great looking architectural feat, but that it was a massive hit with the gallery’s visitors. Given that the theme of this year’s LDF was “Design is Everywhere”, this project certainly engaged a different kind of culturally aware audience with the world of design. There’s a nice making-of video below too to get more of a flavour about how it came together.

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dRMM/Arup: Endless Stair (Photo by Edward Reeve)

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dRMM/Arup: Endless Stair (Photo by Edward Reeve)

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dRMM/Arup: Endless Stair (Photo by Edward Reeve)

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dRMM/Arup: Endless Stair (Photo by Edward Reeve)

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dRMM/Arup: Endless Stair (Photo by Edward Reeve)

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dRMM/Arup: Endless Stair (Photo by Edward Reeve)

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dRMM/Arup: Endless Stair (Photo by Edward Reeve)

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dRMM/Arup: Endless Stair (Photo by Edward Reeve)

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About the Author

Rob Alderson

Rob joined It’s Nice That as Online Editor in July 2011 before becoming Editor-in-Chief and working across all editorial projects including itsnicethat.com, Printed Pages, Here and Nicer Tuesdays. Rob left It’s Nice That in June 2015.

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