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Architects (and society) should periodically question the layers of safety codes that define our art, architecture and design. It didn't occur to me that stairc

Architects (and society) should periodically question the layers of safety codes that define our art, architecture and design. It didn't occur to me that staircases in these large apartments are /required/ to be shut off from the hallways, and have a permanent feel of "fire escape". They are not a part of the building, they are acoustically unpleasant, and all-around a bore. Imagine an apartment building with curved, open staircases leading to each floor! Perhaps "Apartment Simulator 2022" will come out soon.

lazide 5y ago
A lot of People have died over the years from that kind of design - which is why it isn’t used any more. It can quickly turn a first floor smoldering fire into a whole building conflagration.
- unethical_ban 5y ago
  Understood, and I'm willing to be wrong on this. My point is, over time and technology we accumulate restrictions that may no longer be as necessary as they were when they were put in. What if we don't need isolated stairwells so much anymore due to materials and fire suppression(sprinkler) regulations, for example? That's my point.
  - lazide 5y ago
    Ah, well I’m sure some enterprising architect is already arguing with a building department about it. You definitely see them in some hotels and commercial buildings, though my understanding is despite sprinklers, they need to have autoclosing fire doors if that is the case, which are terrible to deal with every day. :s The problem with sprinklers in California is if there is a serious earthquake, pipe breaks mean you lose fire water pressure right when you might need it most, and whole blocks can burn down. Been awhile since that happened though so maybe the building department forgot?
josephcsible 5y ago
> Architects (and society) should periodically question the layers of safety codes that define our art, architecture and design Architecture and design, okay maybe, but art? > They are not a part of the building What does this mean?
- unethical_ban 5y ago
  Art was kind of redundant in that sentence. I meant that staircases are not aesthetically integrated with the building. They're accessible and meant for daily use, but are bare-bones with exposed piping, minimal heating, poor acoustics and heavy, loud fire doors.

lazide 5y ago

A lot of People have died over the years from that kind of design - which is why it isn’t used any more. It can quickly turn a first floor smoldering fire into a whole building conflagration.

unethical_ban 5y ago
Understood, and I'm willing to be wrong on this. My point is, over time and technology we accumulate restrictions that may no longer be as necessary as they were when they were put in. What if we don't need isolated stairwells so much anymore due to materials and fire suppression(sprinkler) regulations, for example? That's my point.
- lazide 5y ago
  Ah, well I’m sure some enterprising architect is already arguing with a building department about it. You definitely see them in some hotels and commercial buildings, though my understanding is despite sprinklers, they need to have autoclosing fire doors if that is the case, which are terrible to deal with every day. :s The problem with sprinklers in California is if there is a serious earthquake, pipe breaks mean you lose fire water pressure right when you might need it most, and whole blocks can burn down. Been awhile since that happened though so maybe the building department forgot?

josephcsible 5y ago

> Architects (and society) should periodically question the layers of safety codes that define our art, architecture and design Architecture and design, okay maybe, but art? > They are not a part of the building What does this mean?

unethical_ban 5y ago
Art was kind of redundant in that sentence. I meant that staircases are not aesthetically integrated with the building. They're accessible and meant for daily use, but are bare-bones with exposed piping, minimal heating, poor acoustics and heavy, loud fire doors.