From functional to inviting: how design changes the use of a staircase

Sometimes an image says it all. The original staircase in this office building in Bilthoven was purely functional: a necessary connection between two floors, without really being part of the space. In its original state, the staircase looked closed off and uninviting. The result? People were more likely to take the elevator or simply overlook the stairs.

But what happens when you completely rethink such an element?

After the renovation, that same staircase has become a true eye-catcher. Where it once barely stood out, it now immediately draws attention the moment you enter. The sculptural form, warm materials, and flowing lines ensure that the staircase is not only visible, but also inviting. Your gaze is naturally drawn upward — and with it, your movement.

The effect is striking: people take the stairs more often. Not because they have to, but because it feels natural. Aesthetics influence behaviour.

The power of this transformation lies in the details. By rotating the helix half a turn, the staircase now fits perfectly within the space. The upper section flows seamlessly into the floor above, while the balustrades bring calmness and symmetry to the overall composition. What seems like a small adjustment makes a significant difference in practice — both visually and functionally.

Where the staircase was once detached from the interior, it is now an integral part of the design. Sightlines have been improved, the spatial experience has been enhanced, and the entrance has gained a clear focal point.

This project shows that design does more than simply look good. It can shape behaviour, strengthen spaces, and turn something ordinary into something remarkable.

A staircase does not have to be just a connection between floors. With the right vision, it becomes an element that quite literally and figuratively moves people.