DESIGN

THE GREAT APPLE STAIRCASES

and a few others of note

By Xinye Ju

Look at the missing C of craftsmanship

Stairs are often overlooked and underappreciated features of our daily lives. We ascend and descend them routinely, taking their presence for granted. Even when they exude a touch of grandeur, they're often reduced to mere functionality. However, as a designer, I've come to see stairs as more than just utilitarian structures – they are captivating, awe-inspiring creations that play a pivotal role in our lives. They hold secrets to understanding beauty, form, our relationship with the world, and the essence of moving from one place to another. Yet, there's a new breed of stairs that has taken the design world by storm, gracing Apple stores across the globe. These staircases possess a mesmerizing beauty so profound that it transcends visual brilliance to reach out and touch your very soul. Am I going too far here? Maybe, but why not, let’s keep on praising these unsung saints. Apple has reached the pinnacle of staircase design, and, bold as it may sound, I might dare to claim that they are the most extraordinary staircases ever conceived.

You may find such a statement preposterous, and I won't fault you for your skepticism. However, I'm determined to show you why Apple's stairs deserve this exceptional distinction. To fully appreciate their achievement, we must embark on a journey through three of the most wonderous stairs ever conceived by humankind. As we delve into the world of stair design, it's essential to understand the remarkable evolution stairs have undergone.They've connected us to new experiences, led us to hidden treasures, and witnessed the ebb and flow of human history. For example, the magnificent spiral staircase of the Vatican Museum was designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932. The staircase is not only a functional element connecting the different floors, but also a masterpiece of art, symbolizing humankind’s attempt to represent God’s bounty on earth.

Majestic

The spiral staircase is a pair of double helixes, centered on the entrance to the new staircase of the Vatican Museum, which rise and rotate around each other at the same time, intertwined like a tapestry. This unique design conveys deep symbolic meaning on several levels. Yes, several levels. First, the spiral shape itself represents the continuity of time and the endless cycle of life, echoing the precious cultural and artistic heritage of the Vatican Museum. Secondly, the subtlety of this staircase lies in its visual effect, as it seems to be suspended in the air without any kind of supporting structure, creating a mesmerizing sensation and, let us not forget, an almost religious one.

It make you feel...

Momo's design also emphasizes the importance of the staircase as a decorative element within the building. The handrails and balusters are exquisitely crafted in iron, presenting an ornate decorative pattern that further enriches its beauty. In addition, the staircase was designed with people's safety in mind, with step heights and slopes carefully calculated to ensure that visitors can easily and safely walk up and down the stairs while admiring the museum's treasures. This is a prime example of how stairs can transcend their utilitarian purpose to become a work of art, much like the stairs at Apple stores. Okay, let’s skip about 90 years ahead.

Crazy and Amazing

The VESSEL staircase design is lodged right at the intersection of architecture and art. The building, designed by Herrick Studio for the Hudson Yards development in New York city is not only a staircase, but also an urban sculpture, an incredible piece of public art. Inspired by the spiraling growth of the plant Marisuite, the VESSEL structure, consisting of 154 stairs and 2,500 steps, takes on a striking geometric shape, as if it were a tower in the city spiraling upward. This visual effect has made VESSEL a jewel in the skyline of the Hudson's Yard area, and many tourists visit New York just to see it. In addition to creating a new visual component to the already-crowded New York City cityscape, it literally holds and controls its own edge of New York City by reimaging how the Island of Manhattan delineates its shoreline.

Stunning from any angle

The complexity of the staircase system defies traditional architectural constraints by combining functionality and aesthetics. This fusion has sparked much discussion in the realm of the intersection of architecture and art, driving innovation in design concepts and opening up new possibilities for the future. VESSEL is also one of the few staircases that by itself elicits social experiences and interactions. It allows people to move up and down freely through space. Imagine standing in the middle of VESSEL's staircase, admiring the beautiful cityscape around you, while at the same time adding to and being part of that cityscape. Overall, the VESSEL staircase design is more than just a building, it is an innovation of what stairs can accomplish in public space.

At this point, I'm sure you've gotten an idea of the diversity of staircases, but before we formally introduce the Apple Store staircase, there's one more staircase that I’d like to consider - the staircase design of the TOKYO Museum. Its creator is the world-renowned Japanese architect, Tadao Ando, who is known for his ability to seamlessly blend minimalist design with nature. Ando's design philosophy is evident throughout the museum, emphasizing simplicity, balance, and a harmonious blend of light and concrete. The staircase is a perfect embodiment of these principles. It features clean lines, a neutral color palette, and extensive use of exposed concrete. Large windows on either side of the staircase allow natural light to flood the area, casting ever-changing shadows on the concrete and creating an atmosphere of calm and serenity.

The opposite of the Vatican and VESSEL

The changing light and shadows become an integral part of the visitor's journey as they move up and down the stairs, making it an immersive experience. Ando's staircase is a masterpiece of architectural elegance, demonstrating the potential of the staircase not only as a functional element, but also as a source of artistic inspiration. In Ando's creation, the staircase becomes a work of art that engages visitors, guiding them through the magnificent world of the museum. It reminds us that architecture, when carried out with precision and creativity, can enhance our experience and appreciation of raw space.

A normal version

After learning about these three amazing staircase designs, I believe you must be eager to understand how the Apple Store staircase, which often goes unnoticed, measures up against these masterpieces. Apple is known for its exceptional product design and retail experience, and the staircase design of its retail stores is no exception. Reflecting the company's brand philosophy, the Apple staircase incorporates elements of simplicity, modernity, and sophistication. These designs are clean, with pure lines, and no unnecessary ornamentation.

Another more spacey version

It is worth mentioning that their staircases are usually made of high-quality materials such as glass and stainless steel. These materials are surprisingly expensive, with each step on the glass staircase costing up to $5,000. Even though they're expensive, they give the stairs a stunning naturalness that reflects the look and material choices of Apple products. Stainless steel balusters and glass handrails create a smooth, tactile feel, while also conveying a sense of quality and sturdiness. At the same time, the glass and steel provide a sense of space and fluidity. The Apple staircase is an open structure with no obvious obstacles, either visually or practically. That detail increases the sense of space and allows customers to move freely around the store, making it easier to explore and interact with people. Some of the stores also feature striking curved staircases, which, even more than the regular staircases, captures the light, strength, wealth, and sturdiness of the more traditional design.

And the circular version

Apple’s staircase design has been hailed as one of the best, not only because of its artistry and simplicity, but also because of its unparalleled brand integration. It's not just a set of stairs, it's a vivid reflection of Apple's unique design philosophy and its meticulous attention to spatiality, material choices, and user experience. When these elements are skillfully intertwined, the staircase becomes more than just a means of connecting floors; it becomes a unique expression of emotion and a visual feast that fits the brand's philosophy. The Apple Store staircase design not only injects an indispensable artistic atmosphere into retail places, but also makes each customer feel that Apple has thought of them and that the world is more refined and welcoming because of it.

©Xinye Ju and the CCA Arts Review