February, 2026
ISSUE28.1: ELEMENTS OF ARCHITECTURE | Stair
There are always numerous approaches to architectural design, and the choice of a design method can be influenced by various factors, such as the designer’s personal experiences, social and cultural context, technological capabilities, and economic conditions. These methods serve as tools for solving design problems and can shape strategic design paths. In this cycle of the Tuic Studio, the approach of designing from part to whole—from element to architectural totality—was used as a method for creating architecture. Within this approach, the exercise of viewing the elements we interact with daily in a new light was of special importance.
The study of the stair element began with a focused redefinition, followed by observations on its function, form, and manner of use. These assumptions were then gathered and categorized into three groups: features, limitations, and potentials.
The next step involved studying projects related to stairs, encompassing not only architectural projects but also spatial installations, paintings, films, animations, and even stories that in some way were connected with the stair element. From there, recurring examples were selected and categorized.
Finally, an effort was made to explore “what if” questions to examine impossible or unrealizable ideas. These “what if” scenarios offered a chance for free contemplation of unfeasible and far-fetched ideas, seeking creative solutions to make them achievable. Thinking abstractly about architectural ideas, without fear of feasibility, granted the designer the freedom to innovate.
This research progressed at every stage with a divergent-convergent approach. Each phase initially began with divergent study: topics were analyzed broadly, without restrictions, data were gathered, and analytical diagrams were created for each section. After data collection, a convergent perspective was applied, selecting and categorizing the more significant topics while setting aside the remaining information.
In the end, engaging in the process of this research not only contributed to the understanding and analysis of architectural elements but also led to a reconsideration of their seemingly self-evident characteristics.