definition
strict definition
stairway configuration
The general path of a stairway, describing the directions of individual flights and the connections between flights.
The configuration of a stairway classifies it according to the general pattern formed by its individual sections (flights). It takes into consideration any directional changes within flights, as well as the ways that different flights connect to each other at floor levels or interweave with each other. It generally does not consider the existence of landings or the shape or form of individual steps.
The arrangement is visible in the course followed by the flights. Directional changes can occur within a flight or where flights meet, and separate flights can also interweave.
The supporting staircase material is a different property. A change in material or individual step shape need not alter the general route of the stairway.
More specific definitions
15 sub-definitions-
alternating stairway
Straight stair flights that reverse direction at each floor level, allowing continuation without a long connecting walk. -
angled stairway
A generally L-shaped stairway with one turn of about 90 degrees between successive floors, using a landing or winders. -
angular helix stairway
A stairway following an angular polygonal path around a central core, shaft, open space, or atrium. -
curved stairway
A stairway following a curved path without completing a circle or helix, including stacked half-circular flights. -
fan stairway
A spreading stairway with angles or bends in individual steps, producing a fan-like or amphitheater-like arrangement. -
hairpin stairway
A stairway whose flights reverse direction by 180 degrees between floors, without a third direction of ascending steps. -
helix stairway
A stairway arranged around a central axis in a circular path, with or without a central post or open shaft. -
interlaced alternating stairway
Two alternating stairways interwoven within one stairwell, with adjacent straight flights rising in opposite directions. -
interlaced angular helix stairway
Two or more angular helical stairways interwoven within the same shaft or vertical space. -
interlaced helix stairway
Two or more helical stairways interwoven around the same axis within one shaft or vertical space. -
meandering stairway
Stairs which turn at or between levels but do not fold back in the same stairwell. -
progressive stairway
Multiple stair flights continuing along one straight route through successive levels without requiring a turn. -
simple stairway
One or more straight stair flights, with successive flights vertically aligned and reached by walking back at each floor. -
split stairway
Stairs whose pathway forks into clearly distinct directions on the way up or down. -
u-shaped stairway
A stairway with ascending flights in three directions and two turns between floors, forming a rectangular half-helix.
Related definitions
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architectural style
A classification of a structure's appearance in terms of design vocabulary and historical period. -
elevator type
The mechanical classification of vertical transport systems by the type of lift mechanism. -
entrance approach
The basic form in which a pedestrian main entrance of a building is reached from outside. -
facade color
Colors covering at least ten percent of a structure's facade, excluding windows and allowing distinct or combined patterns. -
facade material
The primary material(s) of a structure's exterior surface, except for windows. -
facade system
The arrangement of exterior cladding over at least ten percent of the facade, excluding thin surface coatings such as paint. -
feature
Special properties or facilities directly associated with a built object, including amenities and physical characteristics. -
flooring material
The substance and form applied to the floors throughout a structure or a module. -
foundation system
The type of structure which gives structural support to a building beneath its lowest floor or ground base. -
frame material
Materials forming a structure's load-bearing skeleton, distinct from finishes, removable partitions, and foundations. -
framing system
The principal structural framework resisting gravity and lateral loads above ground, distinct from the foundation system. -
heating type
The energy source and, where applicable, delivery system used to heat a building's main occupied areas. -
insulation material
Forms and substances used as thermal insulators in building walls, roofs, and facades. -
insulation position
The position of thermal insulation materials with respect to the structural perimeter walls or framework of a building. -
level
The position and form of an entity acting as a company within a corporate organization or partnership. -
lighting system
The basic format of electrical structure or appliance used to illuminate the interior of a building. -
perimeter form
The outline shape of a horizontal cross section at the majority of a building's floor levels. -
qualitative indicators
Predefined or subjective measurements of various qualitative aspects of properties. -
roof covering
The substance and layout of the material used to cover the upper surface of a building. -
roof form
The prevailing shape of a building's roof or top section, using the most prominent form where several occur. -
roof frame material
The material forming the structural framework that supports the outer covering of a building's roof. -
secondary facade material
Material used for the non-display side(s) of a structure, or used in less than 10% of its facade area. -
staircase material
The framing material which supports the steps and risers in an object's stairways. -
storage type
The basic arrangement of facilities for storing large quantities of items, commodities, or materials. -
tenancy design
The intended arrangement of a building's space for one or more tenants, including private and shared occupancy provisions. -
window frame material
The material forming the frames that hold a structure's windows in place or allow them to move. -
window type
The type used for a majority of a building's windows, indicating whether and how they open, and how they are divided.