STAIRS AND RAILINGS IN CONSTRUCTIONS

The staircase is a construction element with multiple roles: it provides access to the different levels of the building, it is an escape route, it is a major decorative element – ​​a monumental sculpture – that enriches and gives uniqueness and personality to the space.

There are clear requirements for configuring its geometric elements: the relationship between the step and the riser, the ramp widths and landing widths, the free heights... and yet: what an amazing variety of stairs there is in the world!

From the stone staircases of Antiquity to the structural glass staircases of Apple stores, the world of stairs owes a great deal to the architect-engineer tandem. It is true that until the 18th century, the profession of architect also included engineering sciences and structures; therefore everything, from building structures to non-structural elements, was designed exclusively by architects.

And in this context we mention some famous stairs:

• Michaelangelo's staircase at the Laurentian Library or Brunelleschi's in the Medici Chapel;
• the wooden staircase at the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe;
• the stairs of architect Auguste Perret - a pioneer in the use of reinforced concrete in construction;
• the fabulous, breathtaking staircase - sculpture by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer in the Itamaraty Palace;
• Eero Saarinen's fully suspended staircase created at the General Motors Technical Center

... and many more...

But, descending back to earth... there are so many ugly stairs in this world! And a poorly configured, poorly built and poorly maintained staircase is a possible cause of accidents, sometimes / often fatal. This course is not addressed exclusively to architects but... to all partners in the act of creating a building, from designers, contractors, system manufacturers, students from technical faculties and... anyone who is curious to learn something more.

Exigent design, based on Romanian legislation

• Elements of legislation
• Design elements STAIRS AND RAILINGS
• Principles for the design of stairs and ramps in construction; fundamental theoretical elements
• Specific materials and compositions, current for stairs; compositions in traditional and modern solutions;
• Principles of architectural detailing of parapets and railings. Specific materials and compositions
• Case studies
• Questions and discussions