From the side, this staircase is hardly visable, but it's far enough out of the way that you aren't likely to bump your head on it without seeing it. And, when you go down the stairs, the vertical support beams can also work as hand rails.
It's a great way to maximize the space of a two-storey loft by minimizing the amount of space the staircase takes up -and it looks absolutely stunning.
See more pictures of this cool stairway over at Homes and Hues: A Beautiful Staircase That Floats Above Its Living Space
Cool, but a great way to kill or maim your kid falling through the gaps.
You can build cool stuff that doesn't risk people's health.
Some small changes and this could be cool and safe.