Optical illusion: The Latest Architecture and News

Stairs in architecture are oftentimes a design focal point- the heavyhandedness in creating something that moves us from one level to the next, up and down repeatedly, something so simple and familiar with a twist is what makes the experience of traversing a stair so unique. Our obsession with stairs and the level of illusion that they create in architecture perhaps stems from the way that they’re able to twist the optics and perceptions of space. We understand that they transport us in one direction or another, but can stairs ever be circular? Is it possible to go up and down for eternity? 

An optical illusion has been given a practical purpose in this mind-boggling floor at the headquarters of British tile company Casa Ceramica.

In addition to serving as an example of the company’s products, the floor is specifically designed to slow down people as they walk into the Casa Ceramica showroom. Thankfully, the forced perspective only works in one direction, so finding your way out is a much less stressful endeavor.

Videos

These images by Swedish photographer, artist, and Photoshop genius Erik Johansson are anything but ordinary. What at first appears to be a room, house, or street quickly shifts into a mind-boggling optical illusion, using creative manipulations of perspective to keep the viewer perplexed. From cars driving on the underside of the freeway to people living on their ceilings, Johansson's strikingly convincing realizations of spatial impossibilities will have you second-guessing your surroundings.

More images and a "behind-the-scenes" video, after the break. 

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