In modern office fit outs, the staircase is no longer just a structural link between floors. Instead, it’s increasingly being recognised as the architectural spine of the workplace. At ADT Workplace, we understand how this central feature can influence not just movement, but also brand identity, wellbeing, and collaboration.
From Functional to Focal
Traditionally overlooked or hidden, staircases are now seen as opportunities to elevate both aesthetics and function. In open-plan offices especially, they offer a natural point of connection between teams, spaces, and ideas.
A thoughtfully placed staircase promotes active movement throughout the day, encouraging staff to walk rather than take the lift. This subtle shift in behaviour supports better health and improves energy levels across the working day.
Defining Circulation and Flow
Staircases play a key role in shaping how people move through a space. When strategically located, they can:
- Anchor communal areas like breakout zones, cafés or collaboration spaces
- Guide visitors through the office, reinforcing brand identity at key touch points
- Encourage chance encounters between departments, fostering a stronger company culture
Designing around the staircase means thinking about how teams interact, not just how they travel.
Expression Through Materiality and Form
The physical design of a staircase also has a powerful visual and emotional impact. Materials like timber, steel, concrete and glass can express different qualities — from innovation and strength to transparency and elegance.
In a creative agency, for example, a sculptural, floating staircase might reflect the team’s bold and boundary-pushing ethos. Meanwhile, in a legal firm, a solid and symmetrical design may convey trust and tradition.
Lighting, handrails, finishes, and the volume of the stairwell itself all contribute to how the staircase is perceived — not just used.
A Branding Opportunity in Motion
Every element of office design is an opportunity to communicate brand identity, and staircases are no exception. Whether through colour, typography, architectural detailing or surrounding graphics, a staircase can become a memorable brand moment.
ADT Workplace often integrates brand storytelling through bespoke wall murals, glass manifestations, and signage that align with a client’s vision and values. When these are placed near or around stairwells, they reinforce the identity of the business in an organic, high-traffic area.
Enhancing Collaboration and Connection
Beyond branding, staircases encourage human connection. When placed centrally and paired with nearby seating or open-plan areas, they become social spaces — not just vertical ones.
Studies have shown that spontaneous interactions often spark the best ideas. By encouraging people to move more, and bump into others outside of their team bubble, you foster stronger cross-functional collaboration.
Designing for Safety and Ergonomics
Of course, form must always follow function. A well-designed staircase needs to comply with safety regulations while still offering ergonomic comfort and visual appeal.
This includes:
- Comfortable tread depth and riser height
- Slip-resistant finishes
- Contrasting nosings or under-step lighting
- Secure balustrades or guardrails
- Acoustic dampening, especially in open-plan areas
These features ensure the staircase remains safe, accessible, and user-friendly for everyone in the building.
Sustainability in Vertical Circulation
Sustainable staircase design can reduce reliance on lifts and support green building certifications such as BREEAM. By encouraging movement, reducing lift energy usage, and using low-carbon materials in their construction, staircases can contribute to workplace sustainability goals.
ADT Workplace has delivered multiple projects — including BREEAM-certified spaces — where design and sustainability go hand-in-hand. Staircases in these projects are not just efficient but environmentally responsible.
Final Thoughts
When designing a future-ready workplace, every detail matters — and the staircase is no exception. It shapes not only how people move, but how they feel, connect and engage with the space around them.
At ADT Workplace, we see staircases as an opportunity to express identity, improve wellbeing, and enhance workplace culture. From initial strategy through to design and build, we help clients create inspiring environments where every element — including the stairs — works harder for their business.
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