ArchiCAD won't allow me to have a single stair which overlaps itself, meaning if there are three or four flights in a dogleg stair between stories I have to draw two separate stairs. So the wish is to allow this to be the case!
One of the current limitations in Archicad’s Stair Tool is that the stair reference line cannot cross itself, which restricts the creation of certain types of complex and curved stair designs.
It would be incredibly useful if the Stair Tool could be enhanced to allow the stair reference line to cross itself, enabling the creation of more dynamic and non-linear stair configurations.
Proposed Features:
Crossing Stair Reference Line:
Allow the stair reference line to be drawn in such a way that it can cross over itself. This would enable the creation of stair designs where the ascent and descent are intertwined, such as in spiral or complex multi-flight stairs.
Dynamic Adjustments:
Once the stair reference line crosses itself, Archicad should automatically adjust the stair geometry (steps, landings, etc.) to fit this new configuration, ensuring the stair is still functional and follows the intended design path.
Improved Visual Feedback:
Provide clear visual feedback (e.g., different line styles or color coding) when the reference line crosses itself, to help users maintain awareness of the stair's layout and configuration.
Parametric Control:
Allow users to control how the stair reference line interacts with itself, adjusting parameters such as the angle or length of the crossing section, step height, or number of flights.
Compatibility with Other Features:
Ensure that these improvements are fully compatible with other stair features, such as landings, railings, and stair holes, so the design remains coherent and accurate.
Why This Is Valuable:
Expands Design Freedom: Allowing the reference line to cross itself opens up new possibilities for creative, custom stair designs, including intricate spirals, multi-directional stairs, and more.
Supports Complex Architecture: Many modern or historical architectural designs call for staircases that can’t be represented by a single, linear reference line. This feature would support more complex, unique projects like auditoriums, atriums, or multi-level urban spaces.
Improves Workflow: Instead of relying on external modeling techniques or workarounds (like splitting stairs into multiple segments), users could design complex stairs directly within the Stair Tool, saving time and improving model integrity.
Better Visualization and Documentation: A more flexible stair tool would allow for more accurate visualizationof complex staircases in both 2D and 3D views, and the stairs would be better represented in schedules and other documentation outputs.
That would be excellent. We've also had this issue with stairs.
Often, especially if the story height is higher, it would be useful if we could "turn" the stairs multiple times without having to divide them into two separate staircases.
Open