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feature


stairs, lifts, balconies & balustrades


elevated thinking: the shifting role of staircases in architecture


Over the past 30 years, the staircase has undergone a quiet revolution. Once a utilitarian necessity, the modern staircase now occupies a place of architectural prominence –  of a home or commercial space. Bisca tells ABC&D more...


While design preferences are constantly evolving, a look back over the last three decades reveals distinct stylistic shifts, influenced by broader cultural movements, technological advances, and changes in how we perceive and inhabit space.


Artistry meets experimentation – mid 90s Going back to 1995, staircase design often took one of two divergent paths: highly expressive, organic forms with Art Nouveau or Gaudí-inspired detailing; or


stark, industrial frameworks featuring exposed stainless steel and minimalist components. Despite their stylistic opposition, both approaches embraced sculptural intent and a sense of craftsmanship. Designs from this era often celebrated fluidity and asymmetry, favouring hand- forged metalwork, flowing lines, and a distinct absence of repetition. Forged balustrades were often complex and deeply decorative, acting more as artwork than architecture. Examples of the time include staircases such as this Art Nouveau staircase (left) in Newcastle showcasing a celebration of curving ironwork – and the Corian staircase in New York, which exemplified the era’s growing interest in material experimentation.


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