The Staircase: v. 2

John Templer has written a theoretical, historical, and scientific analysis of one of the most basic and universal building elements: the stair. Together, these two volumes - "History and Theories" and "Studies of Hazards, Falls, and Safer Design" present a detailed study of stairs and ramps - the art and science of their design, their history, and their hazards. For the designer and the art and architectural historian, the first volume treats the fascinating history of stairs and their immense influence on the art and science of architecture. It is illustrated with more than 100 photographs from around the world and views the literature on stairs (as well as ladders and railings and ramps) for Vitruvius to Venturi. Templer considers the whole play of meanings in the idea of the stair - as art object, as structural idea, as legal prescription, or as poetic fancy - making it clear that the stair is simultaneously an aesthetic, architectonic, ergonomic, and cultural element. The second volume shows the dangers stairs present. Drawing on twenty years of human factors research on stairs, Templer sets out what is known about slips, trips, and falls and how best to design stairs to avoid their inherent dangers. He discusses the physiological and behavioural relationship between humans and stairs and walkways, the question of gait and slippery surfaces, and the various types of falls and the injuries that result. Perhaps most importantly, Templer proposes the idea of the soft stair, which could substantially reduce the annual epidemic of stair-related deaths and injuries.

Table of Contents:
Part 1 The characteristics of stair falls and injuries: are stairs dangerous?; who falls on stairs?; where do people fall on stairs?; why do people fall on stairs?; what factors may cause stair falls?; what types of accident occur?; what types of fall occur?; why is it difficult to avoid falls?; what injuries result from falls on stairs?; how are injuries caused?; what influences the severity of injuries?. Part 2 Riser and tread geometry for comfort and safety: stair geometry in history and theory; personal preference; human energy expenditure and riser-tread combinations; fait, missteps, and stair geometry; foot and going dimensions; etiological studies; risers and goings for helical stairs. Part 3 slope, surface, and slip resistance: ramp safety; ramp gradients; gait and falls on ramps; frictional forces; slip resistance on ramps; slip resistance on steps. Part 4 Stairway and ramp size for crowds: human territoriality and space needs on stairs; walkway capacity; ramp and stair flow and capacity. Part 5 Behaviour on stairs: stair erosion; understanding flow from observations; findings from observing people using stairs of various layouts; movement patterns of groups of people using stairs; behavioural reactions to stairs and their surroundings; stair use as a behavioural process - a conceptualization. Part 6 Handrails, guardrails, and balustrades: handrails; handrail height; handrail size and geometry; handrail materials; handrail-to-wall clearance; the location of handrails; guardrails; balustrades; structural requirements of handrails and guardrails. Part 7 Avoiding the causes of star falls - designing for injury reduction: what causes falls?; the way the stair is designed; the way the stair is built; the way the stair is maintained; the way people use stairs; reducing injuries from stair accidents. Part 8 Liability and stairway accidents: negligence; duty and breach; proximate cause; injury; negligent construction and design; duties of ownership; notice; plaintiff's negligence; the expert witness. Appendix: quick design checklist.

Review :
Anyone reading either of these volumes will never be able to look at staircases the same way again. By learning the history of stairs, we appreciate the rich vocabulary possible in their design and bemoan its absence in our era. By learning about safe stair construction, we come to understand how astonishingly little attention has been paid to this subject...If our public spaces are to encourage our sense of self-worth, community, and citizenship; if our private dwellings are to be more than merely machines for living, then books like this pair will undoubtedly form part of our re-education. -- Thomas Frick Los Angeles Times