The Staircase: History and Theories

by John Templer

Book Overview

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... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0262200821
• ISBN13: 9780262200820
• Release Date: April 1992
• Publisher: MIT Press (MA)
• Length: 185 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.9" x 10.1"

Customer Reviews

Stair information and research included

I am an Architect and would highly recommend this book for all readers looking for information on causes of falls and tripping, research relating to technical data, and opinions about stair design. The author compares the research of car safety design to stair safety design which is applicable considering the ubiquity and necessity of stairs, both interior and exterior. Stairs need to be designed not only for safe use by all ages, but also for increased use as a means of stimulating healthy active living.

Stairway to heaven?

An absolute classic that has withstood the test of time. It will remain essential reading for those interested in the responsible design of stairways.

Staircase...Everything you ever wanted to know and then some

I have just purchased my third copy of The Staircase. My previous copies were never returned to me by the borrows but still found their way to our towns' school libraries. John Templer,previously a professor of Architecture at Georgia Tech is emminently qualified to write about all aspects of the staircase. The evolution,history and trivial facts of the staircase are fascintating reading for all ages. The pictures will draw you to continue reading. The topic was so intriguing, I found myself wading into the engineering specifications, hazards (including famous people who died on a staircase)and safety issues. I never ascend or descend a staircase without considering the depth of the tread and the height of the rise, the height of the handrail. What a terrific school project appropriate for the 12 year old and over set. I can see them measuring the dimensions of the stairs in their towns' public buildings, gathering statistics on accident and injuries on these stairs and asking the town fathers why this is so!