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Staircase Volume

Opening context:
Staircase as a Stage, Open Stairs

Conflict

We are putting this pattern in the language because our experiments have shown us that people often make mistakes about the volume which a staircase needs and therefore make their plans unbuildable.

Resolution

Make a two story volume to contain the stairs. it may be straight, L-shaped, U-shaped, or C-shaped. the stair may be 2 feet wide (for a very steep stair) or 5 feet wide for a generous shallow stair. But, in all cases, the entire stairwell must form one complete structural bay, two stories high.

Do not assume that all stairs have to have the standard angle of 30 degrees. the steepest stair may almost be a ladder. the most generous stair can be as shallow as a ramp and quite wide. As you work, bear in mind the relationship: riser + tread = 17½ inches.

Closing context:
Columns at the Corners, Stair Vault, Child Caves, Stair Seats