Going

Going is a fundamental aspect of stair design that refers to the horizontal depth or tread length of each step, measured from the face of one riser to the face of the next. This critical dimensional element plays a vital role in ensuring safe and comfortable vertical circulation within architectural spaces, typically ranging from 250mm to 300mm (approximately 10 to 12 inches) in residential settings, though specific measurements can vary based on building codes and intended use. The going dimension works in concert with the rise (vertical height) to create what is known as the step ratio, which must adhere to established ergonomic principles to facilitate natural human movement patterns while ascending or descending stairs. Historical evidence suggests that these proportions have evolved through centuries of architectural practice, with ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans developing sophisticated understanding of comfortable step dimensions. Modern stair design has further refined these measurements through extensive research in human biomechanics and safety engineering, leading to standardized building regulations that specify minimum and maximum going dimensions. The relationship between going and rise is often expressed through mathematical formulas, such as the widely accepted principle that twice the rise plus the going should equal between 550-700mm, ensuring optimal comfort and safety. In contemporary design practice, the going dimension significantly influences both the functional and aesthetic aspects of stair design, impacting spatial requirements, visual flow, and overall architectural composition, while also being a crucial consideration in competitions such as the A' Design Award's architectural and interior design categories.

Author: Lucas Reed

Keywords: stair tread depth, step dimension, horizontal projection, ergonomic measurement, architectural safety standard

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