Initially for this project I went into the field to collect data and sketches. The primary goal of this project is to properly and accurately depict these stairs to scale. The drawings and sketches give me a context within which to place the measurements and almost more importantly a way to convey the space and feel of these stairs as a vertical ascending and descending element.

ALUMNI HALL

ARMSTRONG STUDENT CENTER

Drafted Stairs

RISING VOLUME

The Musical Risers to the east and west of the entrance to Alumni Hall and are a remnant of the original Carnegie Library. Furthermore, they lead to the viewing of the Rotunda and most especially the piano. This is reflected in the detailed nature of the stairs, from the curving decent for the last six steps to the detailed cast iron railing it evokes a feeling of curiosity and wonder that pulls the viewer up. This is why I wanted to include as my detail the banister, to emphasize the artisan nature of the library (now architectural learning center). The stair reminds us of the classic beauty of architecture, and the long-lasting beauty of older structures and designs.

Freshman Flight (of stairs)

These stairs are also within Alumni Hall, however now in the modern section where class takes place. This particular set rises up to the freshman architecture studio, and like Musical Risers is one of two sets of inversed flights (one to the west and one to the east of the Atrium). This contributes the stair's value as a design element within the room, with the banister going throughout the entirety of the third-floor walkway it creates a sense of continuity but also structure within the space. This structure is further created by the railings having the same 5-inch diameter iron pole 5 times running all along the stairs. The Freshman flight proves to be both reflective of the Musical risers but also symbolic of the new and modernized architecture that is to be pursued by students in the building. Emphasis is more on continuity and function then detail and form, but that also greatly reflects their purpose (to bring hundreds of students to class each day).