Image the Stairs
Reimagining the stairs as an experiential space, rather than just a vertical egress.
This project aims to transform the traditional perception of stairs, shifting their role from merely a means of vertical movement to an engaging experiential space. The design seeks to elevate the stairwell into a multifunctional environment that encourages interaction, exploration, and engagement, becoming a central feature in the architectural experience.
Location:
N/A - Conceptual
Role:
Architecture
Conceptual Study
Phasing:
Schematic Design
Design Year:
2024
Thanks to:
X. Chen
Design Objective
The initial focus of the project is on massing exploration, experimenting with different shapes and volumes to create a bold architectural presence that highlights the staircase as a central feature. The design will integrate the staircase within these volumes, transforming it into a key experiential element that guides the user’s journey through the building. By using form and scale effectively, the staircase will emerge as a sculptural highlight within the architectural composition, turning vertical movement into an engaging experience.
Isometric View of the Volume Study.
Experiential Space
This experiential approach also incorporates sensory elements that stimulate sight, touch, and even sound. For example, lighting design plays a crucial role, with dynamic lighting systems that react to movement or change in response to different times of the day, creating a mood that evolves as people move through the space. Material choices are curated to add texture and warmth, enhancing the tactile experience and encouraging a physical connection with the architecture.
Plan view of the Massing Study Model.
Longitudinal Section view of the Massing Study Model.
Graphic / Visuals
The hand-produced physical drawing takes inspiration from Piet Mondrian’s use of primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—to emphasize the architectural elements of the experiential staircase. Colored paper is used to create a bold visual hierarchy that guides the viewer's eye through the design, much like Mondrian's compositions do with balance and movement.
Cutouts of human figures suggest scale and interaction, illustrating how people might engage with the space. The primary colors not only highlight the staircase as a dynamic feature but also transform the drawing into a visually compelling blend of art and architecture, emphasizing the staircase as more than just a functional element.
Final Drawing - Image the Stairs
Unauthorized use of any image or text is prohibited in any use. Images cannot be altered or modified in any way, in whole or in part, that disparages Jae Bin Lee.
