'O' is for open-stair design, one of C. Emlen Urban's staircase styles [architecture column] (2024)

FAQs

What is a stair in architecture? ›

Stairs are a structure designed to bridge a large vertical distance between lower and higher levels by dividing it into smaller vertical distances. This is achieved as a diagonal series of horizontal platforms called steps which enable passage to the other level by stepping from one to another step in turn.

Staircase Basics

The riser is the vertical surface of the stair. The tread on the other hand is the horizontal surface of the stair and the part of the stair you step on. Nosing is the portion of the tread that overhangs the front of the riser. Often a stair builder will talk about the rise and run of the stair.

Primary functions of staircase

Provide an access from one floor to another. Provide a safe means of travel between floors. Provide an easy mean of travel between floors. Provide a suitable means of escape in case of fire.

What is an Open Riser Staircase? Simply put, an open riser staircase (also called a floating staircase) is one where the spaces between the treads are open, rather than closed. In the past, staircases have traditionally had risers that connect each step. Think of the carpeted staircases of your grandmother's house.

The different types of stairs are almost endless. The most common types of stairs are straight stairs, circular stairs, spiral stairs, switchback stairs, winder stairs, split stairs, and stairs with intermediate landings.

Spiral Staircase: A spiral staircase is a compact and space-saving layout that consists of a central pole and steps that wind around it in a spiral. This layout is ideal for homes that have limited space and want to create a unique and visually interesting design.

Straight stairs are the most common type for both residential and commercial properties. Advantages: Straight stairs are the easiest to ascend and descend. They are typically easy to install.

The basic components of a staircase are the tread, the horizontal surface we walk on; the riser, the vertical part between each tread; and the stringer, a structural support that holds the treads in place and provides stability.

When designing a staircase these are the basic components. There are Stringers, Treads, Risers, Newels, Winders and Landings, Handrail's and Balusters. Stringer – The inclined boards in which the treads and risers are enclosed. Tread – The top or horizontal surface of a step.

What are the disadvantages of a staircase? ›

It also engages every major muscle in your lower body - glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, abs and calves to exercise and thus tones your body better. Low impact workout: You don't have to ideally sweat it out while climbing stairs. Just a few stairs every day will give you a good workout.

Stair climbing is a low-cost and readily accessible form of exercise that provides a series of health benefits if we do it everyday: It enhances heart and lung function and improves blood circulation. It reduces the risk of developing coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes or colon cancer.

Modern architecture includes staircases as art forms. They compliment and interact with their surroundings. They are there not merely to take you from one floor to another, but to become part of the design and experience of a building.

a set of steps that lead from one level of a building to another: Go up the stairs and her office is on the right. one of the steps in a set of steps that lead from one level of a building to another: The top stair creaked as she went upstairs and the noise woke up her mother.

Stairs represent duality and contradiction. As much as they represent passage for able-bodied folk, they represent blockage for other folks. Because of this symbolic significance, artists have incorporated stairs into our culture of aesthetics.