THE LINK STAIRS

The design for the staircase at Linda Hall Library in Kansas City, Missouri, is centered on the concept of spatial connection and purposeful separation. As a space that balances dynamic public engagement with focused scholarly work, the library demands a solution that integrates functionality, flow, and spatial hierarchy. The staircase serves as both a practical circulation element and an architectural feature that enhances the overall experience of the central area.

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At its core, the staircase reimagines traditional vertical movement as a tool for organizing and defining space. By incorporating a tiered structure with an intentional overhang, the design provides a subtle division between areas designated for librarians and those intended for public events and daily use. This separation respects the need for privacy and focus while maintaining visual openness and accessibility. The overhang creates a sense of shelter and enclosure for the librarians' workspace below, reinforcing the feeling of a distinct, yet connected, environment.

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The flow between linked spaces is enhanced by carefully placed access points, allowing seamless transitions between levels while preserving a cohesive and integrated spatial narrative. The design also incorporates materials and geometric forms that reflect the library’s architectural language, creating continuity between the staircase and its surrounding context.

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Ultimately, this staircase functions as more than a passage between floors, it is a unifying element that weaves together privacy, functionality, and openness. It reflects the library’s dual purpose as a place for scholarly research and public engagement, embodying a balance between separation and connection that enriches both the practical use and aesthetic quality of the space.

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PROGRAMS USED: Rhino, Enscape, Photoshop