History and Theories (v. 1) (The Staircase) - Tapa blanda

"Anyone reading either of these volumes will never be able to look at staircases the same way again."-- Thomas Frick, "The Los Angeles Times"

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 "Studies of Hazards, Falls, and Safer Design" present a detailed study of stairs and ramps - the art and science of their design, their history, and their hazards. For the designer and the art and architectural historian, this first volume examines the history of stairs and their immense influence on the art and science of architecture. It is illustrated with more than 100 photographs from around the world and views the literature on stairs (as well as ladders and railings and ramps) from Vitruvius to Venturi. Templer considers the whole play of meanings in the idea of the stair - as art object, as structural idea, as legal prescription, or as poetic fancy - making it clear that the stair is simultaneously an aesthetic, architectonic, ergonomic, and cultural element.