Cocoon gives office design a whirl

As striking entrances go, this one is definitely up there.

This project is called Cocoon and is a bold stand-alone building in Zurich. The centre piece of the building is an upwardly widening atrium with a ramp that ascends the central space connecting the different areas. The skylight at the top floods the whole area with light making it an bright and airy place to be.


I wouldn't mind working there! The inside really is beautiful, but I can't help thinking it's a shame that the outside of the building doesn't really have the same impact. To me, it just looks like another office block, even if it is circular.

The shop that acts as a design inspiration

I was emailed about a fairly new interior design shop - eliská - that was opened by renowned international interior designer, Eliská Sapera. It's at 16a New Quebec Street, London and replicated online at www.eliskadesign.com. Why was it worth a feature? Because the space is inspiring and would make a fabulous place to work.

This is a gorgeous, tiny shop, crammed full of eclectic and unusual interiors items - truly a style lovers dream. It showcases a wide selection of Eliská’s design ideas – from bold, innovative bespoke items to small, quirky, instant must-have pieces. Regular visits are a must as new pieces are sourced and frequently added.


The shop acts as a design inspiration. It is a place to buy highly desirable and unusual pieces. From stunning one-off items, such as her crocodile print leather dressing table, to small takeaway treat items and gifts, such as mother of pearl and wooden handled jam spoons, beaded coffee spoons, hand-blown and recycled glass and cashmere throws. There are also Aiveen Daly chairs, designed to Eliská's own fun design an she has her own range of hand-blended wax candles with extremely evocative and unusual scents, i.e. citrus and cigar.

The shop is open every day, except Sunday, from midday to 6pm. In addition, visitors can meet Eliská herself - she is happy to offer her invaluable style advice.