Divyalakshmi B’s Post

View profile for Divyalakshmi B

22+yrs, Architect and Mentor, IGBC Accredited Professional, certified Earth Science and Environmental Sustainability Expert, my aim is to spread the knowledge and experience I gained to all young Architects with Goals.

Compact Design or Bad Design? Where Do We Draw the Line? I recently encountered a staircase leading to an upper-floor apartment that really made me think. The total width was only 3 feet, with each flight just 18 inches wide, not counting the handrail. This design makes it impossible to carry large furniture or other bulky items upstairs. If you’re claustrophobic, just passing the entry with its full-height wall might be a challenge—I know it was for me. Yet, the residents who have lived there for the past 30 years have no complaints. They’ve adapted to their environment, and any change now would mean sacrificing part of their livable space, which nobody wants. So, they choose to keep things as they are. This raises the question: Is this staircase a marvel of compact design, maximizing space without a hint of waste, or is it a flawed piece of architecture that fails to meet practical needs? It could be seen as the most compact staircase I've ever come across or the most intimidating. In architecture, the line between compact and compromised often blurs. What's seen as a clever use of space to some may be a significant inconvenience to others. What are your thoughts? Where do you think we should draw the line between?

  • No alternative text description for this image

Well said Divyalakshmi

Like
Reply

To view or add a comment, sign in

Explore topics