Staircase

John Templer has written the first theoretical, historical, and scientific analysis of one of the most basic and universal building elements: the stair. The first volume treats the fascinating history of stairs and their immense influence on the art and science of architecture. The second volume shows the dangers stairs present. Drawing on twenty years of human factors research on stairs, Templer sets out what is known about slips, trips, and falls. Perhaps most importantly, he proposes the idea of the soft stair, which could substantially reduce the annual epidemic of stair-related deaths and injuries."Anyone reading either of these volumes will never be able to look at staircases the same way again. By learning the history of stairs, we appreciate the rich vocabulary possible in their design and bemoan its absence in our era. By learning about safe stair construction, we come to understand how astonishingly little attention has been paid to this subject... If our public spaces are to encourage our sense of self-worth, community and citizenship; if our private dwellings are to be more than merely machines for living, then books like this pair will undoubtedly form part of our re-education."
-- Thomas Frick, Los Angeles Times