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I think it’s only fair to agree on one simple thing. If an indoor space, or an outdoor one, for that matter, has a stairway, however long or short, it should serve its function. First, it should bring us up and down at least one level and second, it should be safe. That’s the bare minimum, right?
But it turns out, some stair designers out there have had their minds spun by invisible hamsters on a wheel. Right below, it becomes very clear why. You see, if the stairs cost you a potentially immeasurable amount of broken legs, you’d be better off without them.
Bored Panda has compiled the most absurd cases of stair designs gone very wrong that make a ladder look like a premium lift in comparison. My popcorn is ready, how about you?
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
The Perfect Building To Have Stairs In Front Of
Anna Banana 4 years ago
Well it sure brings awareness of the issues people in wheelchairs face every day...
WholesomeArmyweeb 4 years ago
“See we like our customers how they like our deals. Half cut deal!”
RELATED:
#2
Not A Paradox, Just A Normal Russian Architecture
Vic 4 years ago
In mother Russia, you don't take the stairs, the stairs take you..
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Raven Sheridan 4 years ago
I'm thinking vodka was a significant factor in this stairwells construction.
Jayne Kyra 4 years ago
This looks like the nightmare I have with stairs going nowhere and just ending but there still being floors up.
Caroline Huot 4 years ago
So weird - this is one of my recurring dreams - stairs that go up then down and I have trouble finding my way
#3
Steps That You Can't See
fro_st puppy 4 years ago (edited)
Some poor bad eye sighted person or pretty much anyone is literally going to bash their leg on that or worse
Vic 4 years ago
Boss: Get rid of him! And make it look like an accident. Henchman: Yes Boss! I've hired a mason.
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Sum Guy 4 years ago
Still one of the best tiling jobs ever... design is horrible, execution is flawless
ravina nimje 4 years ago (edited)
Just applying border stickers on edges will solve the problem.
A Jones 4 years ago
yeah, like a thick red border. Would look good with the brick and chess pattern.
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Although the absurd stair designs may look quite funny from the comfort of a computer, in reality, they cause some very serious risks to people who use them. National Safety Council statistics rank stairway injuries second only to motor vehicle accidents among leading causes of accidents. Moreover, World Health Organization states that falls are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide.
According to the representative of the Law Offices of Andrew D. Myers, a civil litigation attorney who focuses on personal injury, bankruptcy, business law and other civil matters, children and adults over 65 are especially at high risk.
“Each year, one in three elderly adults suffers a serious stairway fall. Such injuries can increase the chances of an earlier death and reduce the ability to live independently. The elderly face a higher likelihood of falling because they often experience muscle weakness and potential dizziness from taking a variety of medications. This risk rises as they age.”
#4
They Built This School Like One Month Ago
Vic 4 years ago
His parents won't believe if he says he only has headaches when he goes to school..
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Marcellus the Third 4 years ago
Now add something to absorb ll the blood.
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#5
No Broken Legs I Know Of
Isaac Kurnia Lammy 1929002 3 years ago
Imagine you go down there for the first time not knowing whats gonna happen
#6
Access For Wheelchairs On These Stairs
Vic 4 years ago
If you look closely, those steps are meant for professor X
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UncleRussian 4 years ago
I mean, everyone knows that wheelchair users are amazing at parkour and can just up hop up the stairs! Duh
Pam Kennedy 4 years ago
The Accessible symbol does NOT mean universal. It means accessible to SOMEONE. People who have low vision or sensory issues look for that symbol and feel for the raised tread to help them find the steps. My college put up accessible signs near hard to see steps so people with low vision knew where they were. Why? I have low vision and use a wheelchair. The stairs weren't marked. You can probably guess what happened. I went head first down that flight of stairs and was seriously injured. After that all stairs on campus were marked with accessibility signs so everyone with low vision KNEW to look for the sign to increase accessibility OR avoid injuries.
They state that common injuries caused by stairway falls include internal bleeding, fractured bones, brain injuries, soft-tissue injuries, and dislocations. Moreover, Safety Council statistics indicate falls are among the most common causes of traumatic brain injury, so in no way can the possibility of falling down the stairs be looked at lightly.
To prevent such injuries, premises liability law requires property owners to reasonably maintain stairways. According to the Law Offices of Andrew D. Myers, “The law also holds property owners responsible where injuries occur as a result of dangerous or hazardous conditions. If proven that injuries directly resulted from a property owner’s negligence, then the injured person may be able to collect compensation for pain and suffering, lost income, and reimbursement for medical bills related to the accident.”
#7
These Are Stairs In My Town. Just How?
Jeremy 4 years ago
The hump looks a bit different from the rest of the stairs
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Dippin Dot 4 years ago
It's nice they put a gate up so after you fall down you stop before rolling into the street.
Koalamonster 4 years ago
Oh I honestly thought they had all the power and that's how the stairs ended up like that.
Load More Replies... #8
These Stairs In My In-Laws' Summerhouse. We Have Parties Here So Going Down These Stairs Drunk Is A Challenge
Aasha Rooks [STUDENT] 4 years ago
this is a challenge going down if you're me
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Shannon Parrott 4 years ago
Drunk or sober I don't think I could go up or down these steps especially with my crappy knees.
BluEyedSeoulite 4 years ago
I saw these type of stairs while looking for apartments. I really liked the apartment but the stairs ruined it for me. I fall going up normal stairs!
Soggy Crumpet 4 years ago
I question the reality of the caption. The rail on the landing is incomplete and there is no rail going down the stairs. Also the floor is plywood.
M O'Connell 4 years ago
Also, there is visible wine, so you don't know if they've already had a drunken encounter with these newly-constructed stairs.
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#9
I Think My Stairs Fit Here
Equine_Ravenclaw_Directioner 4 years ago
They look like those spiral staircases in medieval castles!
Elke van den Hoek 4 years ago
I was just about to post something similar! Have seen a couple of them here...
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Clearly sunny 4 years ago
At least you'd hit your head against that wall before continuing down too far!?
#10
Got An Unsatisfying Feeling When Walking Downstairs And The Last Step Was Not There
A.M. Pierre 4 years ago
And that's where you step forward gracefully expecting a stair and end up looking like an especially awkward giraffe as you try to recover.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Best description for trying ANY of these stairs!
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Amy Jo Buchanan 4 years ago
Absolutely! I have stumbled like gravity suddenly became ten times stronger and looked very awkward trying to recover from the stumble... I'm really glad to see that I'm not the only one who did this! 😂
Luka Hamer 4 years ago
in the new building where I work there's a stair... Then the floor. *crash* Bang* oh wait there's two more steps after like 1,5 / 2 metres
#11
That's How I Broke My Leg
Aubrey Baird 4 years ago
I just imagine myself, crawling down these stairs on all fours to avoid missteps.
Adrian Chesnut 4 years ago
who puts stairs on a bridge? just make more bridge. maybe its a no wheelchair zone.
#12
Imagine Being Drunk
Octavia Hansen 4 years ago
Someone REALLY hates stairs! Maybe if there's enough crappy stairs, an elevator may have to take over?
Margaret Martin 4 years ago (edited)
I'd hate to be the custodian... looks like cleaning up vomit or blood would be hourly.
#13
The “Extra” Two Inches Of Concrete At The Top Of My Stairs. We Call It “The Tripper”
Marcellus the Third 4 years ago
Outlawed since the Victorian era, they already then noticed how many deaths and accidents there were involving them! Hurray for statistics.
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graham warley 4 years ago
Many castles had steps like this spaced irregularly and were call “trip steps”. The idea was that if your enemies were coming up the stairs, usually spiral, holding a sword, they would trip up and allow you to despatch them.
Alex Luiz 4 years ago
I don't understand why this was down voted, it's a good fact!
Load More Replies... Microwaved Robot 4 years ago
This is our steps in the basement. Flooring was added to the main floor and that last step up and first step down are deadly!
#14
I Saw This At My School
danielw 4 years ago
This isn't a facepalm. The stairwell is designed to be a safe area in a fire. The idea is that people who can't take stairs are to wait on the bottom landing to be rescued, and the space is 'designed' to be safe. I'm a little shocked there's no call box, but otherwise, this is basically modern fire code.
Jo Johannsen 4 years ago
not only the (pretty steep) stairs, but no room to "stand" while opening the door.
thetacotruckman 4 years ago
i thought those were bathrooms and was wondering why they have bathrooms that 510 people can fit in.
Bear42212 4 years ago
It's an area for people who have problems with stairs. They go there and wait for firemen in case of emergency. Firemen know to automatically go to that area.
M O'Connell 4 years ago
I used to work in a University library, our fire escape stairwell had exceptionally large landings which were "Areas of Rescue Assistance." One of my tasks in the event of a fire was to clear them of anyone who needed to be evacuated by carrying them down the stairs (if that was deemed necessary).
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Octavia Hansen 4 years ago
On top of stairs, looks like the right door opens IN . . . making it even more difficult, if that's possible. If it's an EXIT door, it's a disaster waiting to happen in an emergency.
#15
This Is Russia
K.Kobayashi 4 years ago
Probably a temporary wall to cover up an area being remodeled. The escalator is most likely stopped. They walked up the escalator to take this photo.
#16
I Present To You Jeans Stairs Or Jairs
LadyDelynn 4 years ago
This is a dumb idea carried out badly. You are going to catch a toe in one of those pockets then it's hello bottom of the stairs. Also, the stairs are filthy.
#17
You Have To Go Up The Stairs, And Then Down The Stairs To Get To The Door
T Y 4 years ago (edited)
It makes sense from the building/fire code's point of view. 1) Assuming there is an emergency exit to the right, fire regulations often require the stairs leading to the basement past the emergency exit to be physically separated to prevent people from getting trapped in the basement. You often see separate stairs for public buildings with stairs for basement parking and another set of stairs for upstairs. 2) Building code stipulates a minimum landing length (flat area) from the door to the stairs to reduce fall hazards. There is not enough room to connect to the stairs below.
Nagawa (Cofa) Kishiki 4 years ago
And that is just level 1. I wonder what level 50 looks like.
#18
All The Privacy You Need
Viktor Stepanov 4 years ago
Maybe it's a very long stairway and people need time to rest and other things
Hannah Edwards 4 years ago
It’s weird, but I like how they’ve gone the whole hog to make it “bathroomy.”
Brandi VanSteenwyk 4 years ago
Buyer: "And how many bathrooms does this home have?" Realtor: "Well, it used to just have one. But in order to increase value..."
#19
Found This Beauty At My Local College
UncleRussian 4 years ago
Ah yes, the age old question: which came first, the pillar or the railing?
M O'Connell 4 years ago
It is! I had to drywall around some irregular pipes once, so I can appreciate how difficult this was.
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#20
This Staircase
Pickle Gurl 52 4 years ago
I can imagine my self just standing there waiting for the "escalator" to take me up
Pat Tamarin 4 years ago
The escalator died and they replaced it with stairs. They saved money by using the old rails.
Felipe Jourdan 4 years ago
When the test is ends in 5 minutes and you’re still on the first question
#21
Escalator/Stairs Combo
Mark Schilling 4 years ago
The stairs look cheap and quickly made. I'm guessing the wrong size escalator for the space and they made do.
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MyCatsTheRealPanda 4 years ago
Oh my! There is! I had to go back and look lol.
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K.Kobayashi 4 years ago
Those stairs look temporary. There probably used to be an intermediate level floor at this level, extending to the left.
Marta Pereira 4 years ago
Seem like someone ordered the wrong length escalator and they didn't have enough money to order the correct one
#22
I Can See Why Someone Wanted To Fix This
Shannon Parrott 4 years ago
I'm thinking of how hard it would have been to move furniture up these steps
BlackPearltheSeaWing/NightWing 4 years ago
My friend's old house had stairs like that and her mom broker her collarbone going down then at night. Now their new stairs are very slippery and I have fallen down them multiple times.
Mark Howell 4 years ago
Surprisingly common in terraced houses in northern England, and bitch when sober let alone any other state of mind ;o)
Imogen Carne 4 years ago
I live in a house like this in the UK. My three year old fell from the top to the bottom and fractured his elbow. He is now almost six and still gets nervous at the top of the stairs. Not a great design, but saves space.
RandomHumanBean 4 years ago
'it'll be fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine, wont it?' said the architect, who, later that was admitted to the hospital after falling down a flight of stairs in a house he designed.
#23
Stairway To Heaven
Marcellus the Third 4 years ago
it's a matter of retrofitting: First only the stair on the right, then "wheelchair access" legal requirement demands a refurb... which they solved in the cheapest possible way I guess (original staircase 40% narrower, not even bothered to demolish the leftover) OR they insisted on it being removable as this "wheelchair" fashion will blow over, in their minds.
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#24
Stairs From The Top
Jane Alexander 4 years ago
After seeing the stairs you would trust the lift?
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Princess Amara 4 years ago (edited)
This is when you put your butt on the floor and scoot down like an infant. It's the only way down
#25
Stairway To Heaven
Pat Tamarin 4 years ago
Not stairs. You can see the size of real stairs on the side where the doors are. I think this is a kind of cooling tower.
Davis the Un-Greatest 4 years ago
Live out your childhood dreams of riding in a laundry basket down the stairs!
#26
This Fuzzy Staircase
A.M. Pierre 4 years ago
Ignoring the extreme fuzz, a spiral staircase with no handrail? That’s a nope for me.
Khavrinen 4 years ago
"And this is Magda; she's our stair-cleaning maid. It's a full-time job."
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#27
When I Tripped On The Stairs I Cut My Arm On These Things, And Continued To Fall Down The Stairs (I'm The 5th Victim This Week)
J Gund 4 years ago
I don' t think so. It looks like the bumps on rails outside that are used to prevent skateboarders from grinding.
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#28
Don't Think The Owner Of This Hotel Thought This Through
Raven Sheridan 4 years ago
Let's take the stairs. Urgh...on second thought, how about we wait for the lift?
RealSans666 4 years ago
why would you trust the lift looking at this nightmare?
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#29
Just A Staircase In St. Petersburg
Evil Little Thing 4 years ago
I don't understand! Were Soviet stairs all required to be certain lengths? What did they have against pre-stair platforms?
Viktor Stepanov 4 years ago
It seems that angle is the issue. These stairs blocks can be installed only at certain angle. And great soviet factory produced great number of standard blocks.
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#30
The Longer You Stair, The Worse It Gets
Mark Schilling 4 years ago
The patch up on the wall is driving me nuts too. I bet it's been that way for a long time.
#31
Wheelchair Ramp To A Staircase In A Mall In Haugesund, Norway
person (i think) 4 years ago
They put in thought and effort to make it look good; too bad that’s as far as that went!
#32
Why Don't You Just Use All The Stairs?
Seabeast 4 years ago
Where I live, building codes call for railings if the elevation change is one metre or more, so that might be the case here.
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Les Izmore 4 years ago
Whatvyou end up with when nice architecture doesn't comply with building code
Andrew 4 years ago
Pretty sure rails have been added for the blind. There may be a law requiring rails to be set a certain distance apart to assist them.
Rebecca O’Donnell 4 years ago
That yellow bump strip before the stairs is to “tell” a blind person there are stairs ahead. There are different kinds of bump strips at different locations, ie. at the end of the curb.
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Catherine Graves 4 years ago
This actually makes sense. In the original design there was no railing for an elderly or disabled person to assist themselves moving up or down.
Michael George 4 years ago
Do you need to completely close off the opening ? Where common sense would say, Hey let’s put two additional handrails down the center. And yes. They could have put handrails at each end
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Melanie Gallegos 4 years ago
It’s so no one can skateboard I assume.I see more & more of this, sadly
#33
A Staircase At My Uni
UncleRussian 4 years ago
If this is in America then these are the stairs you go up to and stand there thinking about your debt. Kinda like a panic room, but stairs
Becca Gizmo the Squirrel 4 years ago
I did not know until recently that buildings skip floor 13 and just label them 12 and 14. I would be A-okay living on floor 13!!
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lavaismyweakness89 4 years ago
do the harry potter opening for diagon alley there and see what happens
Malek Basata 4 years ago (edited)
reminds me of a comedian series where some dolls live behind a wall thats the entrance
#34
These Stairs Carpeted With A Pattern That Makes It Hard To See The Edge
Angelica H 4 years ago
there's this roller rink by my house that has stairs like this that are hard to see, and its at a roller rink so people are wearing roller skates. almost every time we go to that roller rink we see someone fall on those stairs
Alexis Alcaide González 4 years ago
It looks like one of the worst leftover designs ideas from the 80's
#35
And Sometimes People Use The Left Part
Dominion Long knive martinez 3 years ago
You had one job and that was to make the stairs correctly
ISuckAtLife 4 years ago
Imagine being drunk and looking at your phone while trying to pass through the left side 🤣🤣🤣
#36
These Stairs At Our Hotel
Pan Narrans 4 years ago
These stairs are designed to be placed in a small space. The angle of ascent is double that of normal stairs. I've seen them in Germany, they work pretty well.
Susanne Müller 4 years ago
Exactly, they’re not difficult to walk up or down because the step is still big enough. I’ve also seen stairs like that in the Netherlands, especially in older houses with little space. They’re quite practical!
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Bettina Krumböck 4 years ago
I had that once. Incredible how perfectly upright ones posture can get :)
Dominion Long knive martinez 3 years ago
They look nice but the thing is you can easily trip on them
#37
You Gotta Pay Attention On These Stairs In A Cinema
BigFish Artwire 4 years ago
If it wasn't for the wall to the left in the picture I wouldn't know that those are steps
Joe Reaves 4 years ago
What is it with public buildings begging to be sued in these pictures. There's several hotels that are also asking for an accident.
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#38
Painted In A Hotel Stairwell Leading To Fitness Center
A.M. Pierre 4 years ago
“What do you mean ‘creepy’? I’m just a dude in a robe... watching you.”
#39
When Your Gym Tries Hard To Motivate You But Fails To Make Any Sense
Kingdom Mix 4 years ago
At the 3rd floor you will hit yourself three months from now Thank Us
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Felipe Jourdan 4 years ago
If you read it from top to bottom is sounds like something yoda would say
Frank Ropen 4 years ago
My try: hit yourself at 3rd floor, 3 months from now you will thank us.
Beans 4 years ago
Pretty sure this is correct, HIT means 'High Intensity Training'
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#40
This Bathroom With Too Many Stairs
Dan Retson 4 years ago
"How can you install the plumbing without removing the tiles?" "Don't worry, I know a trick or two..."
Sarah Trusty 4 years ago
I like this. I would love to be sat on that toilet. It would make me feel important 😁
#41
These Stairs At My Friend's House
Raven Sheridan 4 years ago
Is that the blood of the murder dungeons previous victim on the stairs?
Batgirl Kitty 4 years ago
Why does it look like someone is standing down there...maybe you should uh, stay away from there.
#42
New Staircase At My School
Robert T 4 years ago
Some kind of bizarre regulation that you have to be able to hold both handrails at the same time?
RaroaRaroa 4 years ago
Or perhaps be no further than Xcms from a handrail at any time.
Load More Replies... Anna Banana 4 years ago
Now all those people always sitting on the stairs can have their own space without blocking traffic! Win-win!
Sara Lopez 4 years ago
Teacher: Why did you not come to class??? Me: I got stuck in the stairway and was not able to continue.
David Beaulieu 4 years ago
This screams of trying to follow some building code that was poorly written.
#43
Wasting A Third Of The Staircase
John Otruba 4 years ago
Building codes change and if this is in a public space rails probably added to comply
Let’s All Just Try And Be Decent 4 years ago
Probably also an attempt to have one side for going up and one side for going down to avoid collisions
#44
Great Paint Job, Especially That Last “Step”
Sheepeggs 4 years ago
Imagine going down the stairs blindfolded, you finally get the hang of it when suddenly you reach the bottom. Now imagine yo have perfectly good eyesight, you finally get the hang of it when suddenly you reach the bottom.
Ryan Deschanel 4 years ago
"I did not miss a step, I un-missed an un-step, which is even worse!"
#45
When Personal Injury Lawers Moonlight As Interior A Designer
Philippa Davies 4 years ago
It's like one of those optical illusions- if I stare at the picture for a bit, it looks like they are moving
#46
Pubic Hair-Themed Handrails
UncleRussian 4 years ago
You know, sometimes you have to look at a project and think "is this really a good idea?"
#47
Somehow, I Managed To Go 5 Blissfully Ignorant Stair-Traversing Years Without Noticing
#48
An Alternate Path For Disabled With... Steps
KatHat 4 years ago
I don't see it labeled for the disabled. It could be for someone with a stroller, a suitcase, or just someone with a walker or cane.
Monday 4 years ago
The label might be off to the left where the staircase begins or at the top. Just because we don't see it doesn't mean it isn't there.
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Kyle D 4 years ago (edited)
This one makes sense, perhaps not for wheelchairs unless you took it slow or w/ help even turned backwards for each step, but for people who have trouble w/ regular stairs, the steps aren't as high and it's obviously not as steep, it's more so ramp rather than a straight staircase.
#49
I'm Sorry, But How Is This Even Remotely Designed To Be Wheelchair Accessible? It's Insulting To Even Have The Sign There
Amy Jo Buchanan 4 years ago
I think it's meant to show that it's an entrance to a play place for physically challenged people. Hence the soft bumps for them to be able to drag themselves up without hurting themselves. Like an exercise activity intended to be fun for kids.
Vicky Z 4 years ago (edited)
Obviously this is it, cause it's a playground where you are supposed to crawl anyway and wheelchairs cannot run over this soft surface! So I think this picture is ok! It's specifically for children with limited access that want to crawl in this playground
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Salla Jaakkola 4 years ago
It means you'll end up needing a wheelchair after visiting this playground
#50
My School Has A Staircase To Nowhere
Stephen Wild 4 years ago
Fire regulations changed. When I went back to my own high school for their 75th anniverary in 1997, there were a couple of stairways that had been blocked off like this since they were open and a serious fire risk.
#51
If You Walk On The Right You Fall Down A Staircase
#52
Whoever Designed Those, Must Have Not Been Sober
#53
There Are Three Steps Down At The Entrance To This Lobby
#54
We Do Really Loud
#55
Poor Choice In Carpet For Steps
Brandi VanSteenwyk 4 years ago
This and similar pics keep making me wonder how it would look if the carpet were simply installed turned 90 degrees. Trying to picture it gives me a headache though.
#56
These Deadly Looking Stone Decorations
#57
These Long Stairs That Require You To Have Either One Awkwardly Long Stride Or Two Awkwardly Short Strides For Each Step
Cain Hargreaves 4 years ago
Hnnngh I hate these! The auditorium at my school had awkward stairs like this and then I worked at a place that had awkward stairs like this in the parking lot. It's like I can't escape the Awkward Stairs!
#58
This 3” Step In My Sister’s Hallway. I Have Stubbed My Toe 3 Times In 2 Hours
Ian Koch 4 years ago
she probably won't because "It won't look nice" clearly she would have done so ages ago if she had common sense.
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#59
These Thin Stairs
Brandi VanSteenwyk 4 years ago
Those aren't stairs. They are a modernist take on a ladder for skylight access. At least it promotes use and maintenance of the skylight.
Tim Douglass 4 years ago
People who use these kind of stairs always say that once you get used to them you don't even think about it. I would struggle because I have a knee that doesn't always like to lift my weight, so I don't always alternate legs but do all the lifting with one. You can't do that on this, but otherwise it really does follow your normal stair-climbing pattern..
#60
You Either Have To Leave The Stairwell Or Climb The Bar If You Want The Upper Floors
ℜ𝔬𝔟𝔢𝔯𝔱 ℭ𝔞𝔱𝔱𝔢 4 years ago
That's a handle. The wheels are actually where the handle is attached to the wall.
Load More Replies... K.Kobayashi 4 years ago (edited)
These days, stairs are mostly for emergencies. You don't want people fleeing a fire and going all the way down to the basement by mistake.
#61
Never Thought I'd See A Staircase Like This With My Own Eyes
ThatOneCrazyFanGirl 4 years ago
dangle one foot down to the other staircase.....hopefully you'll reach it?
Brandi VanSteenwyk 4 years ago
These are usually (although not always) found in older buildings in which designers have chosen to usurp a formerly-unused or open space to create additional usable space.
#62
A Handicap Ramp With A Step At The Bottom
#63
One Half Of The Stairs Has A Bar Across The Path For No Apparent Reason
Stephen Wild 4 years ago
Someone fell. That's the reason for the majority of these 'strange' rails.
Brandi VanSteenwyk 4 years ago
I think this and similar designs are in an effort to streamline the traffic using the stairs. Especially when the top or bottom is so much wider than the other end.
#64
Staircase Installation
Lorelai Purvis 4 years ago
this reminds me of a roblox game called crazy stairs where you can move stairs around and sometimes this kind of thing happens
#65
The Los Angeles Subway Designed Their Stairs To Look Like Escalators. You Don't Notice Until You Turn The Corner
#66
Is This How Architects Commit Murder?
Brandi VanSteenwyk 4 years ago
This design allow a better separation of treads in cases where often, the steepness of the staircase would otherwise require much-less deep landings or much-higher steps.
Susanne Müller 4 years ago
There is a thing called space-saving stairs!!! Guess what, especially in old houses you might not have enough space to put in normal stairs, and you also don’t want to go super steep, so this is the solution.
Dahungryfella 4 years ago
Owner: can you make my house unique?Architect: let's reduce stair functionality by 50% for twice the price!! Owner: YES
Susanne Müller 4 years ago
Having absolutely no idea what you are talking about, being too lazy to Google + making fun of a field of architecture = STUPID! Stairs like these are always used for space-saving purposes because normal stairs would be impossible. https://www.tkstairs.com/blog/space-saving-paddle-stairs-guide
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Susanne Müller 4 years ago (edited)
Saving space https://www.tkstairs.com/blog/space-saving-paddle-stairs-guide
Load More Replies... #67
This Escalator Starts After The First Set Of Stairs
Dahungryfella 4 years ago
Guarantee this was due to some budget cut. No way that was the original plan.
#68
Invisible Step At My Parent's New House That Has Injured 4 Of My Family
Ellen Ranks 4 years ago
SO how many steps are there? I don't see it... which proably is the point
Natalia 4 years ago
I don't see it either. Maybe there's one more after the last one, at the same colour with the floor.🤔
Load More Replies... #69
Stairwell At My University
#70
This "Handicap Friendly" Staircase
Amy Jo Buchanan 4 years ago
That's exactly what I was going to say lol! WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HEEELLPPPPP
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Brandi VanSteenwyk 4 years ago
I have to admit that if I was about 20 years younger, I would want to throw on a helmet and borrow a wheelchair.... Just to give it a try.
#71
These Stairs Have An Extra Step That's Only An Inch
Bettie-Jean Neal 4 years ago
I've been in a home with this before. Was warned it was there and still tripped.
#72
The Spiral Stairs At My House. Im Barely 5'7"
#73
Some Homemade Stairs Someone On Facebook Did. They Seemed Really Proud, But I Don't Think They Thought This Through
#74
A Pillar In The Middle Of A Stairway
#75
This Stairway At My Doctor's Office Where You Have Exit And Reenter To Keep Going Down
#76
Watching My Cholesterol, Better Take The Stairs
#77
My House Has Many Of These Architect Flaws (I Live In Brazil), One Of Them Is The Flaw In The Ceiling Of The Living Room's Stairs That Makes My Mom's Bathroom Have Stairs
Brandi VanSteenwyk 4 years ago
The living room has stairs that have a ceiling? Did anyone else have to read that title multiple times? And still not quite get the explanation? This pic speaks for itself really..
#78
This Staircase In My Hotel
#79
These Stairs At My Grandma's House
Susanne Müller 4 years ago
Again, very normal space-saving stairs, absolutely normal stair-walking experience
Brandi VanSteenwyk 4 years ago (edited)
I like them. These kind of stairs allow a better separation of treads in cases where often, the steepness of the staircase would otherwise require much-less deep landings or much-higher steps.
#80
Earn The Escalator
#81
This Handrail
Brandi VanSteenwyk 4 years ago
You can tell that the stairs curve at that point. I am betting that the placement of the rails is to bring attention to that and the potential to misstep,
#82
These Stairs In A Mexican Beach Resort (Near Cabo San Lucas)
#83
Every 4th Step Is Slightly Longer Than The Others, Making You Almost Stumble Down
#84
It Isn't A Step. I Almost Tripped
#85
Who Needs Clearly Visible Steps On An Outdoor Starway?
Pilot Chick 4 years ago
Did they make a carpet pattern out of the printer cartridge alignment page?
#87
These Are Right Next To The Stairs In My School
Paul Aguilera 4 years ago
I wouldn't mind the blocks to sit on but then i saw the "death wedge" at the end
#88
This Stairwell
#89
This Stairwell Without A Crossover
#90
Wheelchair Accessible Bathrooms With Stairs
#91
These Stairs Lead To A Wall
Pickle Gurl 52 4 years ago
Please be a secret door, Please be a secret door, PLEASE BE A SECRET DOOR.... YAY!
#92
A Useful Staircase At The Mall
Brandi VanSteenwyk 4 years ago
Builders usurped a previously open or unused space to create another enclosed retail area. Cut costs by not removing the unnecessary stairs. This often happens in older buildings as population or use increases or the building is utilized for purposes other than the original plan.
#93
This Crappy Staircase At My School
#94
A Hotel Room For Disabled People With A Staircase
Brandi VanSteenwyk 4 years ago
Perhaps the sign is actually a warning to bring attention to the shin-breaking, toe-stubbing dangers of the oddly spaced HARD STONE stairs. "This is what will happen..."
#95
This Staircase
Brandi VanSteenwyk 4 years ago
Streamlining traffic in a safe (handrails) traffic. Many times, situations like the stairs becoming congested as the wider bottom blends with the rest of the staircase only show over time. So rather than removing and rebuilding, this is a safe compromise.
#96
This Staircase To Nowhere At My University
The 5-star rated 5-star rating system 4 years ago
False. The staircase leads to a wall. And the wall is the entrance to Platform 9¾.
Lorelai Purvis 4 years ago
and then hogwarts wanna-bes try and run through the wall and end up with a concussion and a broken nose and/or collarbone
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#97
Oh So You Want The Wheelchair Ramp? Climb
#99
Weird Stairs, You Climb Up Them And Then You're Met With A Small Set Of Stairs That Go Down
#100
This Apartment Has A Bench Attached To The Stairs
#101
Handrail That Funnels People Onto Ever-Narrower Steps
#103
The Disabled Bathroom? It's Right There - Up The Step
#106
You Can't Really See The Step
#107
My Sister's Staircase
Scott 4 years ago
It's actually that one cut was made with the angle reversed. If you flip it as is, the top one would have the angle off.
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#110
I Raise You One "Most Useless Staircase In The World"
#111
Guess I'll Just Walk Out Of My Wheelchair To Climb Those Stairs And Then Continue Happily On The Ramp. When I Come Back I'll Do A Backflip
surprised pikachu 4 years ago
thats what the people in wheelchairs are going to have to do to get up these stairs
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#112
Wheelchair Accessible Washrooms Are Located On The Second Floor. Just A Quick Trip Up The Escalator
#113
So... What Are These Stairs For? They Don't Lead Anywhere
#114
This Six Inch Wide Triangle Window In A Stairwell On My Campus. Just Why?
Holly Allen 4 years ago
To cover the corner of the lower hallway entrance....although clear glass seems like an odd choice
#118
This Staircase
#119
Where Do Those Other Stairs Go
#120
What Is The Point Of The Left Side Of The Stairs?
#122
I Always Trip On These Stairs Every Time Walk On Them
#123
Stairs In One Of My Lecture Halls
#124
This Totally Misleading Handrail
surprised pikachu 4 years ago
is this the set of basically every high school from disney sitcoms?
#125
Useless Stair
#126
Not Only Do These Stairs Alternate Heights, But They Are Uncomfortable To Go 1 Nor 2 At A Time Because Of The Length Alternation
#128
This Staircase At My Work
katrina hunt 4 years ago
The stairs in my high school were like that. Circles instead of squares, and slick as f**k!!
#129
These Stairs Go Into A Block Wall
#131
My Apartment Building. Many Old People Have Complained Cause They Have A Hard Time Getting Up The Stairs But Management Just Told Them To Go The Extra 50 Meters And Take The Elevator
Ian Koch 4 years ago
50 METERS! That's more than half a football field! (yes I'm from the U.S and yes I understand the metric system, for the most part, not all Americans are stupid. most of them are. but not all of them.)
#132
I Don't Understand Why'd You Even Waste Concrete With These Stairs
Rob Chapman 4 years ago
The lighter concrete tells me the ramp was added later, and the stars were blocked off at that point.
#134
The Lift In This Building Is On Every Alternate Half-Level From Where The Doors To The Houses Are
Hugo Raible 4 years ago
Same in my building. Not enough space to build full floor height stairs.
Paul Aguilera 4 years ago (edited)
"take the elevator to the stairs" "you mean, take the elevator BY the stairs, right?" "no"
#135
Pipe Blocking Stairway
Raven Sheridan 4 years ago
Probably for the best. This is a murder stairway if there ever was one. 😬
#137
Fun Stairs
Add New Image
What do you think ?
GAYATHRI REVADA 4 years ago
Am I the only one who had a headache after looking at all those illusion(ish) pictures? TwT
Izzy Nya~~~ 4 years ago
I didn't know this were this many dumb-ass staircases in the whole world :O
Octavia Hansen 4 years ago
Instead of Killer Klowns From Outer Space, it seems these are Killer Stairs From Inner Space. Did no one review these plans and patterns before installation. I hope there are a lot of injury claims against each and every flight of stairs! Where's an ambulance chaser when you need one?
Effseven Six 4 years ago
Over a thousand people die each year from stair related incidents. This whole post shows exactly why.
haha laser go brrr 4 years ago
And this is why the yellow strips on the edges are widespread in Australia
GAYATHRI REVADA 4 years ago
Am I the only one who had a headache after looking at all those illusion(ish) pictures? TwT
Izzy Nya~~~ 4 years ago
I didn't know this were this many dumb-ass staircases in the whole world :O
Octavia Hansen 4 years ago
Instead of Killer Klowns From Outer Space, it seems these are Killer Stairs From Inner Space. Did no one review these plans and patterns before installation. I hope there are a lot of injury claims against each and every flight of stairs! Where's an ambulance chaser when you need one?
Effseven Six 4 years ago
Over a thousand people die each year from stair related incidents. This whole post shows exactly why.
haha laser go brrr 4 years ago
And this is why the yellow strips on the edges are widespread in Australia
You May Like Gray Color in Interior Design: Is Gray Still in Style? 50 Of The Most Poorly-Designed Staircases That May Leave You Awestruck In The Worst Way
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