ABSTRACT

Stairs are a fundamental and universal feature of buildings. The late Alan Blanc had a lifetime's obsession with stairs and steps and provided a definitive reference source that bridges the aesthetic and practical aspects of staircase design. His wife Sylvia, who worked with him on the first edition, presents this updated, abridged version alongside a complimentary web site where the historical elements of the subjects are described and discussed in pictures and diagrams.

The book is a practical guide to designing circulation spaces. It is extensively detailed with working drawings and photographs. Construction methods using a variety of materials are discussed as well as the influence of new technology on vertical circulation. The guidance on codes and regulations covers the UK and US. The latest high profile international case studies inspire and inform the reader.

chapter |4 pages

Introduction

chapter |24 pages

Civic and public stairs

chapter |18 pages

3 Commercial stairs

chapter |23 pages

Domestic stairs

chapter |22 pages

External stairs

chapter |15 pages

Concrete stairs

chapter |20 pages

Design codes and procedures

chapter |13 pages

International case studies

chapter |17 pages

Case studies in the UK