Stairbuilders and Manufacturers Association AIA Continuing Education.

1 LU|HSW

Why are some stairs compelling to ascend, offering an invitation while others are intimidating and unnerving? What parameters provide for a comfortable traverse. Why do some handrails become loose and rickety--and dangerous? Why do some stairs squeak? Is it the material? The materials in many dangerous stairs are often quite resilient and exquisitely beautiful. Why do some stairs stand solid for 100-200 years and others are compromised in a few years? What was the difference in the approach to their design? The old-world masters used methods we have failed to maintain, design secrets that have largely been lost to history. Stair design methods with furniture grade joinery possess elements that prevent defects and provide superior longevity to high use staircases. You will acquire the ability to specify critical joinery, not just parts, as demonstrated through presentation and classroom discussion with a seasoned practitioner from the stair industry. You will learn the merits of integrating stair system design into building system design. How to apply the principle of "Inseparable Connection" between stair design and handrail design, simple methods that can render any staircase nearly permanent.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to identify and discuss 6 critical elements of Resilient Stair and Handrail Systems
2. Participants will learn the appropriate range of angles suitable for stairways and determine the best gradient for a given project using formulae and table provided.
3. Participants will be able to specify suitable materials and joinery essential to the design and sound construction of wood; stair, handrail and guard systems.
4. Participants will be able to identify the major factors that increase staircase and handrail safe use and durability and cite the important factors related to integrating stair and handrail design.

1 LU|HSW

Understanding the nomenclature and functions of the stair parts and their relationship to each other in a balustrade is critical to life safety and achieving the desired aesthetic. A balustrade can function as a guard to minimize the possibility of a fall and concurrently provide a handrail for guidance and support. Balustrades are an important safety element associated with stairways and raised walking surfaces that must meet minimum standards established in the building codes. Balustrades present a puzzle that can be solved using common industry stair parts to design code compliant Over-the-Post or Post-to-Post balustrades. This course identifies the functional elements, reviews the IRC code requirements and provides the tools to accurately design balustrades using readily available stair parts. You will learn how to specify the appropriate parts for almost any given project and produce a wide range of aesthetically appealing designs while meeting and exceeding building codes.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to specify stair parts in both post to post and over the post guard systems in compliance with applicable codes.
2. Participants will be able to identify handrail fittings by common industry terms and specify their use in code compliant continuous handrail systems.
3. Participants will be able to identify the significant design characteristics of newels related to their vertical position in a stairway and specify the correct newel from available components.
4. Participants will be able to determine the position of newels in compliance with handrail height and continuity code requirements and related exceptions, in any stairway configuration.

1.5 LU|HSW

Staircases possess the power to lift our eyes and lift our spirits. Exceptional staircase design can transform a trudging ascentinto the desire to attain a higher plane, an experience of being lifted mindless of the effort to an advantageous perspective.This aesthetic experience is possible to achieve within today’s building codes. Significant changes in the code over more thantwo decades have removed crippling restrictions and enhanced freedom of design. Stairway design need not be a frustratingmathematical exercise in code compliance. Understanding the conceptual elements of stairway design will completely changeyour perspective on the building code. The code can be a valued resource in delivering the user experience that is essentialto the stairway aesthetic. In this presentation, we map a path that can elevate your perspective of stairway design into therealm of drama, sensuality, and visual impact.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify helpful sources that influence stair design from nature, architectural history, award winning designs, publishedliterature, and the International Building Code.
2. Identify the 6 key conceptual elements in their application to innovative complex custom stairways while recognizing thelinks between aesthetics, ergonomics and life-safety.
3. Understand, execute and promote the importance of life-safety issues at stair transitions such as landings, balconies andhandrails.
4. Identify the most common critical trip points for larger scale custom staircase projects that might inhibit safety, buildingcode compliance, client buy-in, and aesthetic satisfaction.

This course requires completion of the AIA evaluation to receive credit and certificate of completion.