Blending Tradition and Innovation: Lina Bo Bardi's Helicoidal Wooden Staircase Reimagines Architectural Design

In the heart of Salvador, Brazil, lies the magnificent Unhão complex, a testament to the city's historical significance. Amidst this architectural gem, the attention of visitors is captivated by a remarkable element that embodies both form and function—the helical wooden staircase designed by the visionary Italian-Brazilian architect, Lina Bo Bardi. With its impressive aesthetic and symbolic significance, this staircase stands as a testament to the harmonious union of tradition and modernity.

When Lina Bo Bardi embarked on the adaptive reuse project of the Unhão complex, she revolutionized the approach to interventions in historic buildings. Respecting the heritage profoundly, she introduced transformative elements that breathed new life into the original structure, resulting in a truly modern and innovative intervention. Bo Bardi's project was characterized by its ambivalence, reinventing the existing building while discovering new analogies in construction, drawing inspiration from the sea, Portuguese fortresses, and industrial heritage.

The addition of the helical staircase proved to be a striking architectural gesture within the project. Serving as a replacement for the demolished old staircase, Bo Bardi's design seamlessly fused tradition and modernity in an element that was not only functional but also carried profound symbolism. Constructed with wood and featuring a fitting system inspired by ox carts, the helical staircase exemplified the architect's vision of contemporary design harmonizing with elements from different eras, without distinguishing or hierarchizing between the historical and modern aspects of the building.

The staircase itself is an awe-inspiring sight. Positioned "loose in space," it is elegantly enveloped by four pre-existing square section pillars, while gracefully winding around a central round pillar. Its plan is inscribed within a rectangular footprint of approximately 4.15 meters by 4.75 meters. The staircase comprises inclined perimeter beams, each supporting four trapezoidal steps interconnected by a spike-type fitting system secured by vertical wedges. With steps dividing the beams into equal parts, the staircase follows a specific rhythm, except for the first and last beams, which deviate from the norm. Notably, the first step extends ten centimetres beyond the corner defined by the meeting of the beams, while the last beam features a double step, supported by three pillars.

The experience of ascending or descending the helical staircase leaves a lasting impression on all who encounter it. Renowned Dutch architect Aldo van Eyck, upon visiting the Unhão complex, expressed his astonishment and admiration for Bo Bardi's design, remarking that it evokes elegance and stages an experience of grace as one moves from one level to another. The staircase, in its grandeur and intricacy, has the power to transform each person into a noble being.

Lina Bo Bardi's helical wooden staircase within the Unhão complex is an architectural masterpiece that continues to captivate visitors with its striking visual presence and profound symbolism. It stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of tradition and modernity, showcasing the visionary approach of an architect who reshaped the boundaries of architectural expression.