Hanging from the ceiling on the stair wells were a number of very old flags sewn on netting to keep them together.
The chamber above the moon pool is also connected to the open air via stair wells and passages.
The central axis symmetrically passing through the vaulted and richly elaborated lobby, dissolving the contrast between interior and exterior, is clearly inspired by Andrea Palladio, the stair wells being very close to Palladio's both in construction and dimensions.
The Rococo interior from this period is well preserved, especially the corridors and stair wells with their limestone floors, forged railings, and sheet metal doors, adding an automatic door closer in the attic leading to what used to be the privy.
Open stair wells are anachronisms.
When Ikea first presented their development plans to the architectural community they proposed demolishing all of the two lower stories, the tower remained precariously supported by the stair wells and support posts.
All of the remaining buildings were gutted, and each one receiving new; walls, ceilings, floors, windows, paint, doors/ stair wells, and air conditioning throughout all 7 buildings.
In its later incarnation, it was also unusual in having its seating area raised above the pitch with a number of stair wells at the front of the stand leading up to the seats.
Escape chutes are also installed in air traffic control towers where space for redundant stair wells is limited.
The building is of steel frame construction, with reinforced concrete stair wells, and grey zinc exterior cladding.