Step to it
Stairwells are often overlooked, seen as purely functional spaces meant to move people from one level to another. Yet, they are one of the few shared environments encountered daily, presenting an opportunity to shape both movement and experience.
We explored how these transitional spaces could be reimagined not just as passageways for Prudential Singapore, but as environments that encourage movement, curiosity, and engagement. We were tasked with designing environmental graphics for a double-stacked fire stair core connecting Prudential office floors across Levels 9, 10 and 11.
DESIGNING FOR MOVEMENT AND DISCOVERY
Unlike static spaces, staircases are experienced in motion. Each turn and landing reveals a new perspective. The design approach focused on creating a visual journey that guides users through a series of moments. Directional elements, layered forms, and visual continuity were used to subtly lead the eye forward and upward, reinforcing the act of movement.
A JOURNEY ROOTED IN NATURE
Drawing inspiration from tropical landscapes and local biodiversity, the visuals introduce a range of flora and fauna across different floors. From a lush jungle understory to dense mangroves, followed by hilltops and plateaus, each scene reflects themes from Singapore’s biodiverse environment in the Labrador Park area. The use of bold colours and simplified forms ensures the graphics remain engaging in a corporate setting.
DETAILS WITHIN THE JOURNEY
Beyond the larger scenes, smaller details were thoughtfully embedded throughout the stairwell reflecting familiar elements of Singapore’s flora and fauna. These moments are designed to be discovered gradually, adding depth and character to the overall experience.
Tropical Birds
Vibrant birds such as toucans and parrots introduce colour and energy into the space, drawing attention and creating visual highlights along the journey.Local Wildlife
Animals like otters reference Singapore’s urban biodiversity — a reminder of how nature continues to coexist within the city.Layered Greenery
Native-inspired plants and foliage provide continuity across floors, creating a cohesive visual language that ties the journey together.
MESSAGES THAT MOVE WITH YOU
Short, intentional phrases were integrated into the space to reinforce the journey:
Navigate with purpose
Sail beyond horizons
Embrace the journey
Positioned along natural sightlines, these messages appear at key moments within the stairwell to promote active wellness. Designed to be simple and direct, they complement the visuals without overwhelming the environment.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WORK FOR PRUDENTIAL SINGAPORE
Rehla Design collaborated with Graphite Studio to develop themed wayfinding and environmental graphic design for Prudential Singapore. Located at Labrador Tower, the four office floors cater to staff from Prudential Assurance Company Singapore and Prudential Services Singapore, spanning over 150,000 square feet in total.
Each floor features a unique nature-based theme, brought to life through custom glass decals and branded supergraphics. Underlying navigational cues are embedded throughout the space, as inspired by Prudential's core principle, "Our customer is our compass."
Our goal was to promote connectivity vis-a-vis axonometric maps and striking supergraphics that span the double-stacked stair core. Additionally, timber directional and identification signs were programmed across the floors, blending in harmoniously, while adding subtle touches of Prudential’s key brand colour with red-painted returns.
Ambient Photography Copyright of Graphite Studio and Photographer Owen Raggett.