Grand Stairs

A typical feature of medium to large Carnegie libraries was the inclusion of a grand staircase leading members of the public to the privileged realm of the first floor reference rooms, galleries or sometimes exhibition or meeting rooms. The key architectural precedent for this is Michelangelo’s staircase at the Laurentian Library in Florence.

An indicative selection of 14 such stairs are pictured here with the intention that familiar challenges can be identified and solutions shared.