Human Inclination

This chapter begins with the quest for the ideal stair proportion and concludes with current examples of adaptive and integrated approaches to vertical circulation in contemporary architecture. Several examples from this ongoing pursuit are presented, including François Blondel&s;s 17th-century ratio, which aimed to standardize stair dimensions using a rule of thumb, and Frederick Law Olmsted&s;s studies, which highlight the variability in comfort depending on riser height. The former is seen as an example challenging the notion of a one-size-fits-all solution. The chapter also looks at more modern interpretations of this search for an ideal, such as Werner Bäumler&s;s sinusoidal stairs, which mimic the natural form of a hill to accommodate fluctuations in movement. The role of perceptible affordances in circulation design is further introduced in this chapter. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring that elements such as stairs and ramps are visible and accessible to all users. In the final sections, the chapter explores contemporary examples of non-hierarchical circulation in school buildings. These designs integrate ramps and stairs in tandem, creating a network of paths supporting various routes within a design. Case studies of Qingyijiang Road Elementary School and H-B Woodlawn School demonstrate how integrated, non-hierarchical circulation systems can promote agency, inclusivity, and spatial diversity. These examples illustrate how ramps and stairs, when designed as perceptible and equitable affordances, support diverse patterns of movement and interaction within the built environment.