spiral staircase inspired by a whale's spine

Andrew McConnell conceived of this system as a modular set of components that can be deployed in a spiral, each element supporting the next – the only variation would occur in the top and bottom pieces that connect to landings. ...From the designer: “Inspired by the spine of a whale, the Vertebrae Staircase is not simply mimicry of organic form but an exploration in shaping structure. Much of the design work went into refining the single component, or vertebra, that mate with each other creating a unified spine running from floor plate to floor plate. These interlocking vertebrae provide a rigid structure for the steps, railing and its users. And the railing is reinforced by connections that help the staircase resist rotational forces caused by the cantilevered steps.”

Surgeon Simulator 2013, A Realistic Open Heart Surgery Video Game

Surgeon Simulator 2013 is a video game created by Bossa Studios for the 2013 Global Game Jam. You control the hand of a (not so skilled) surgeon using the keyboard and mouse and carefully try to perform a realistic open heart surgery on a drugged up patient, which never seems turns out as a success (see videos below). This killer video game simulator is available to play and download online for Windows, Mac and Linux.

You are Nigel Burke… an ordinary guy, with no outstanding skills. Somehow forced to perform a heart transplant, using any tools available. Complete the operation in the quickest time possible, with minimal blood loss! Features Revolutionary 1 to 1 finger manipulation control system Realistic surgical tool physics. Professional voice acting. Thumping soundtrack. This is, Surgeon Simulator 2013.

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