In ArchiCAD, the functions for creating stairs and railings can be used independently or simultaneously with the creation of new elements. In this lesson, I will use an algorithm to create a staircase that allows me to automatically determine its shape and fit it into the space available to me.

To begin with, I would like to remind you of the function that allows you to remove and redisplay the reference sketch with one click, and I will use this detail to insert a new staircase on the model. To this end, I will look for the icon on the left side that serves to start the Stair Tool function, and as soon as I click on it, options will appear at the top of the screen that allow me to set all the necessary parameters. If you prefer them to be located in one place, click on this icon and open the frame named Stair Default Settings.

As you can see, it includes a really large number of different parameters, and regardless of the fact that they allow you to create your staircase in different ways, it can sometimes be confusing. I will simply throw myself into work and try to solve all the problems as I go.

Assuming that I want exactly this kind of staircase in my project, I will have to first assess whether its settings correspond to the actual needs. This involves determining the exact number of steps and the size of the landing, and to that end, I will start by drawing the first run and try to determine its length. In doing so, I could follow this sketch or place the last step a little further, although essentially I don’t have enough information to be able to make a final decision. That is why I will stop this function and first determine the direction in which the first run should be placed. In doing so, I can choose whether it will be directed towards a higher or lower floor, and I will choose the second option because I would like to use the edge of the landing as a starting point. That’s why I will click on this place and move the cursor to the right so that the program will again offer me the possibility to choose the tread size myself.

If I go back to the parameters frame, you will see that there are options in it that allow me to use flexible or fixed going depth when designing the stairs. Since I would like to use a known size, I will opt for the second option and keep the tread width offered at 250 mm. As you can see, there is a possibility to similarly determine the height of each step as well as their total number. Since the program knows the floor height, it will automatically recalculate their relationship and display the corresponding parameters. I will opt for a slightly higher height, which means that only 5 steps with a height of 180 mm will be enough for this run. Since I previously determined their width, I can close this frame with OK and try again to construct this staircase. To that end, I need to click on the appropriate point, move the cursor to the right, and the program will automatically draw all the necessary elements. If I hold the Shift key while doing so, their position will be tied to the horizontal direction, so I can press the left key once more and complete this process.

If you don’t like how this all turned out, you can go back to the parameters frame and look for the item called Floor Plan Display on the left. After that, options will appear on the screen that allow you to change the view of the entire staircase, which also includes binding it to a specific floor. Since this is a very short staircase, I will stay on the active level (Relevant Story) and choose the option from the list that allows me to see the entire structure of the staircase (No Break Mark). At the same time, for display at a higher level (Above Relevant Story), I will choose the option Above Break Mark and in this way make a break in the form of an oblique line. Now I just need to close this frame, turn off the display of the reference sketch and check what I have achieved. As you can see, this staircase is shown in its entirety because it is on the upper ground floor level, but if I go to the first floor, it will be interrupted.

Since the numerical markings are not aligned with the current display scale, I will take the opportunity to select a ratio of 1:50 from this list and thus correct this deficiency. Now it seems to me that these numbers have become too small, so I will go to 1:100 and increase their relative size.

In the second part of the lesson, I will try to show you a few more ways that you can change the existing staircase. To that end, I will open the parameters frame again and go to the first section (Stair) to increase the width of the tread to 270 mm. As soon as I close this frame, the staircase will be extended but its starting point will be kept. In a similar way, I could change the total number of steps and further extend this element.

In order to show you how all this looks in 3D, I will select the entire staircase and then choose the Show Selection in 3D option from the auxiliary menu. After that, you will be able to see all the details that make up this element, but also that there is much more that should be defined. This, of course, can be achieved by applying the appropriate parameters, and they are divided into two units – those related to the construction (Structure) and those used for the final processing (Finish). To begin with, I will include a view of the construction and then choose one of the offered models. As you can see, the basic form is a monolithic concrete structure, and if I opt for the second option (Beam), I will be able to choose the position of the supporting beams, to place them in the middle or on the edges of the staircase itself. I also have a cantilevered and a staircase that relies on side supports (Stringers Only), which means that it will not be difficult for me to choose the construction that best suits the material used (concrete, steel or wood).

If you want to define the type of finish, you can do it separately for the tread and riser, and there is also the possibility of the entire staircase being covered with the same material (Tread and Riser). In doing so, you can adjust the overhang size and presentation-related characteristics in detail. I will stick to a relatively simple construction, although it wouldn’t be a bad idea to draw your attention to the fact that almost all parameters can be defined in some range (min and max) and thus leave the possibility for their automatic adjustment.

Before I finish this lesson, I would like to show you how you can create a staircase that has an unusual shape, to be curved like this arch. To that end, you need to start the function to create a new staircase and choose whether it should go up or down. I will opt for the first option and then try to follow the given form. After determining the position of the starting point, it is necessary to choose an option that allows me to follow this curve, but it would not be bad if before that I return to the basic parameters and increase the length of the staircase to 3 meters. After that, it will not be difficult for me to define the complete path and complete it this procedure. I could achieve the same result by using the “magic wand”, pressing the space bar and placing the cursor over this arc. The program will then automatically use its curvature to create a new staircase, which makes drawing it much easier.

If you want to create a staircase with a landing instead of one long run, you need to go back to the parameters frame and activate the corresponding option. I will opt for the variant in which the landing is located in the corner, and then I will start drawing a new element and complete the entire process with a few clicks. In order for this staircase to be complete, it is only necessary to set the parameter related to the relevant floor to No Break Marks and thus avoid displaying its abbreviated version.

You can apply the same procedure for a staircase that extends in one direction. It is enough to define its starting point with one click, and the platform will be automatically created as soon as you press the left mouse button again. Considering that almost every staircase requires a suitable railing, in the next lesson I will show you how to use the Rail function and add new elements.