Through the strong spatial experience and the three-dimensional openness of the structure, a “promenade architecturale” is created along the historic façades of the University Halls. On the way up the staircase tower, leading to the highest floor of the rectorate of KU Leuven, users can enjoy ever-changing panoramas of the Leuven skyline above the rooftops.
On the mezzanine level, this staircase hall opens onto the “Jubilee Hall” with four stair flights. The compact staircases are conceived as an orthogonal variation on the theme of the double helix, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s design for the spiral staircase in the Château de Chambord. This design allows two staircase flights to be placed within the footprint of one, achieving a very high evacuation capacity and enabling optimal use of the various halls and rooms.
The staircase tower extends further as the entrance to the rectorate. Along with the panoramic elevator, the spacious structure also provides access to the other upper floors and attics.
The design leverages the spatiality, scale, and historical ornamentation of the University Halls and the Regavleugel to transform what initially might be seen as a purely functional extension into a powerful spatial experience. The entire structure serves as a grand foyer, enabling a vertical journey along the former outer façades of the historic buildings. At the top of the staircase and elevator tower, this journey culminates in a panoramic view of the cityscape. The tower volume becomes a new landmark for the city.