Interior design Basel

New access to the museum via an integrated staircase

Introduction

How do you connect two independent exhibition levels within a museum without affecting the existing architecture, restricting the flexibility of the exhibition spaces, or violating legal requirements for fire protection and safety?

A museum in Basel faced this challenge. Two superimposed exhibition spaces, each approximately 400 square meters, were to be directly connected. The aim was to provide visitors with a continuous tour and significantly improve the exhibition experience.

The project was implemented during the museum's summer break. The new access had to be planned, coordinated, and completed within just two months. The result is a high-quality staircase that blends seamlessly into the existing architecture and is now perceived as a central element of the exhibition spaces.

Interior design in Basel for staircases

Before the renovation, the two exhibition floors were only connected via the public staircase. Visitors had to leave the main exhibition to reach the second floor.

This led to several problems, especially at larger exhibitions.

Disadvantages:

• Interruption of visitor flow

• limited exhibition experience

• Difficulty finding your way around

• lack of spatial connection between the two levels

At the same time, the existing museum spaces were very flexible in their use. The new staircase was not allowed to impair this flexibility.

In addition, there were significant technical requirements:

• existing solid construction

• large ceiling opening necessary

• Fire protection requirements

• Escape route situation

• Fall protection

• limited time window of only two months

Another challenge was that the new staircase should appear as an existing part of the building. The intervention should be visible, but not dominant.

Our approach as interior designers

The focus of the planning was the optimal positioning of the staircase.

Numerous options were examined to find a solution that:

• Uses as little exhibition space as possible

• does not restrict future exhibitions

• creates a natural flow of visitors

• Make optimal use of daylight

Of particular importance in the interior design was the alignment of the staircase with an existing window. This creates an attractive view to the outside while ascending the stairs, and at the same time provides natural light to the circulation area.

The staircase was deliberately designed as a subtle architectural element. Instead of being a conspicuous object, it was intended to blend seamlessly into the existing architecture.

Materialization and design of the staircase

A key objective was the use of high-quality and durable materials.

The entire visible staircase structure was clad in oak. The wooden surfaces create warmth and give the public space a high-quality appearance.

The construction combines different materials:

• Oak paneling

• Fire protection structures made of gypsum and Fermacell boards

• steel frame constructions

• glass surfaces

• wallpapered wall areas

This combination of materials creates a restrained yet high-quality interior design.

Particular attention was paid to integrating fire protection requirements. Necessary fire doors were integrated in such a way that they are hardly noticeable in everyday use.

Lighting concept for stairs

Since the staircase was built within an existing building, the lighting concept played an important role.

The placement near windows allows for natural daylight. Various artificial light sources were also integrated:

• localized spots

• indirect lighting

• LED light strips under the steps

This results in even and safe illumination.

The lighting not only fulfills functional requirements, but also supports the spatial staging of the staircase.

Important decisions in interior design

One of the most important decisions concerned the ceiling breakthrough.

Together with structural engineers and other engineers, the following was investigated:

• Size of the cutout

• necessary reinforcements

• Load-bearing capacity of the structure

The dimensions of the supporting structure were also crucial. The staircase had to be able to safely accommodate large groups of visitors and school classes. Furthermore, the following points were clarified in an early project phase:

• Fire protection requirements

• Escape route concepts

• railing heights

• Fall protection

• cantonal regulations

This early coordination was a key factor in the project's success.

Implementation & Collaboration

The project was implemented during a roughly two-month closure period of the museum.

The following trades were involved:

• builder

• engineer

• Plasterer

• joiner

• metalworker

• painter

• floor layer

• Construction cleaning

Coordinating the various parties involved in the interior fit-out placed high demands on the planning. The precise creation of the ceiling opening was particularly critical. Many elements had to be planned and prefabricated in parallel to meet the tight schedule.

The close cooperation of all involved parties enabled a smooth process and on-time completion.

Result & Added Value

Today, the new staircase connects the two exhibition levels, creating a cohesive museum landscape. The advantages are clearly noticeable:

• improved visitor flow

• improved quality of stay

• better orientation

• new exhibition opportunities

• Upgrading of the entire area

The integration into the existing architecture is particularly successful. The staircase doesn't look like a later addition, but rather like a natural part of the building.

The materials used also contribute significantly to the high-quality appearance. The oak cladding conveys value, durability, and a pleasant feel.

Conclusion

The project exemplifies how interior design, technical planning, high-quality materials and the expertise of an interior designer can work together.

Connecting two exhibition levels presented significant challenges in terms of fire safety, structural engineering, scheduling, and design. By involving all relevant specialist planners early on, a solution was developed that is functionally, architecturally, and economically sound.

For us as an interior design firm, this project is an example of how careful planning can translate complex framework conditions into high-quality and long-term functioning solutions.