Open & Active Stairs

Reclaiming stairs from the anti-health dogma of life-safety codes.

Architects can enhance public health, safety, and welfare and encourage physical exercise by designing prominent and attractive stairs.

Physical activity, once part of our normal lives, has been designed out of our daily routines. One result is that according to the CDC 50% of Americans will be obese by 2030.

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Taking the stairs is an easy way to meet the recommended amount of physical activity per day for adults.

Health Benefits

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderately intensive activity (such as brisk walking) every week, and muscle strengthening activities on two or more days per week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).

In one study, people who climbed 20 or more flights of stairs per week had a 20% lower risk of stroke and of death from all causes.

Social Stairs

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Naturally Day-lit Stairways Discourage Elevator Use

Forgoing the elevator ride reduces energy consumption and can contribute toward achieving net-zero buildings, as elevators can be a large component of building energy operations.

  • University of Chicago's Keller Center

    The Keller Center design establishes a ground to rooftop monumental stair as the most convenient way to move between floors maximizing social cohesion and exchange between faculty and students.

    To permit this five-story monumental stair in a fireproof, concrete building required the installation of a $250,000 smoke evacuation system.

    In 2019, the Keller Center stair received the Special Projects Award from AIA Chicago.

  • Charles Shaw Technology & Learning Center

    This generous and inviting stair was typical in early 20th century buildings.

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  • 6001 Cass

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  • Academy for Global Citizenship

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  • Alys Beach House

    Stairs are made more inviting by bathing them in natural light.

  • Whistler Crossing

    Hold-open doors can enable open and inviting stairs in multi-family housing.