1.25 LU | HSW
A Ceremony of Progression: Celebrating Stairs
Join our annual membership to enjoy unlimited access to all courses and unlimited LU credits.
- Program Level
- Introductory
- Prerequisites
- None
- Advanced Prep
- None
Learning Objectives
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Learning Objective 1
Analyze how stair dimensions affect user safety, circulation speed, and spatial experience in various building types.
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Learning Objective 2
Distinguish between different stair typologies and select appropriate configurations based on spatial constraints and egress requirements.
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Learning Objective 3
Assess the relationship between stair geometry and human locomotion to create comfortable, safe vertical circulation that accommodates diverse user populations.
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Learning Objective 4
Explain how stairs function as primary means of egress during emergencies and apply design strategies that facilitate safe, efficient evacuation.
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Learning Objective 5
Understand the geometric and aesthetic aspects of stairs that help contribute to generous spaces for building occupants
Course preview
Our continuing education courses keep you focused on what matters most in architecture and design. Achieve more with continuing education that blends trusted expertise with real world application.
This course explores stairs as essential architectural elements that transcend mere circulation, examining their role as formal design features, critical egress components, and rhythm-setting spatial devices. Drawing from historical and contemporary examples, participants will investigate how stairs shape experience through their dimensional properties, materiality, and integration within the built environment.
The course addresses stairs from three interconnected perspectives: their formal potential as plazas, objects, and programmatic elements; their function as means of egress governed by building codes and safety regulations; and their capacity to establish rhythm and pace within architectural sequences that can hinder or help the public’s use of the built environment. Through analysis of case studies, participants will understand how design decisions regarding rise, run, width, and materiality fundamentally impact user experience and safety.
Refund Policy
Refund Policy
If you are not satisfied with your continuing education purchase, request a full refund within 30 days of enrollment before a certificate of completion is issued.
Cancelation Policy
Annual continuing education memberships may be canceled at any time from your account settings; access continues through the end of the current billing period.
Complaint Resolution Policy
Questions or concerns regarding course content, credit reporting, or certificates may be directed to Amber Book support at info@amberbook.com.
Amber Book is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 40410829. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA-3837, Option 3). This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.