One Step at a

Time
Written by: Ally Salazar
Elliptical staircases otherwise
known as helical staircases are often
confused with spiral stairs. Differing in
shape and also design, elliptical stairs do
not have a central supporting pillar and
handrails are presented on both sides of
the staircase. The use of its ellipse shape
and absence of newel allow this staircase
to have a greater width and the option to
build two helical staircases, while
occupying the same vertical space.
Many historical and influential
buildings around the world have
incorporated this type of staircase into the
properties. One of the most photographed
and beautiful staircases in the world
belongs to the Vatican Museum. Giuseppe
Momo designed this staircase in 1932,
using the double helix architecture for
people to be walking up the stairs and
down at the same time. From another part
of the world a staircase belonging to a
Belgian industrialist Baron Empain in
Egypt, weaves the staircase from the
center of the home. One of the many
myths of the house was that it was built on
a rotating base, allowing the Baron to
rotate the house to his liking.
Similar designs are used in fire
escapes so many people can exit at once.
The architectural advantage to these
staircases goes beyond conserving space
but their design is classically aesthetic for
whatever time period.