12 Things to Know About Japanese Staircases (And Why They're Better Than the Rest)

Image via Complex Original

We're so used to the pragmatic look of a Western-style staircase, it's hard to believe that some of these Japanese designs even exist. Many of them appear to float in midair, suspended by a force unseen. Pure architectural magic.

Because Japanese construction codes are so much looser than those in the Western world, there's no need for things such as handrails or the kind of grade that would keep most people from pitching forward to an untimely injury. Check out this video of a staircase so steep that it appears many people have tumbled through the wall at the bottom with momentum.

If Japanese architects have proven anything with their staircase designs, it's that a staircase can fit anywhere and do almost anything. Not to be thwarted by the principles of space, Japanese staircases spiral, stretch, fold, collapse, and accordion from floor to floor. There's seemingly no limit to what one of these staircases can do.

Minimalism thrives when it comes to staircases in Japan. And sure, the old tenant of design, "less is more," keeps the craftier of designers in check. When ascending from room to room, that principle has been taken to the absolute limit, where less actually means "least." Just look at how sparse these designs are.

Just when you think a staircase can't be any more mind-blowing, something like this comes along and reminds you that architecture can defy the laws of physics (or so it seems). Of course, there's always the psychological danger of climbing a structure that's floating in the air, and there's also the very real danger of tumbling off of something like this, sans-handrail.

Why design a staircase strictly around the idea of safety? Stairs typically take up a lot of room, and that's not something that interests some Japanese designers. To cut down on spatial waste, some architects translate "staircase" to "ladder." As you can see here, that can make for some terrifyingly steep climbs.

While many of these designs appear to leave everything out in the open, for everything to be seen, there's another well-designed type of Japanese staircase that's even more functional than formal. Some designers build the stairs directly into shelves, tables, or wardrobes, blurring the line between architectural elements and furniture.

There's just something so elegant and clean about these designs. While many of them are simply platforms for ascending, that doesn't discount the stark beauty of the wood or metal employed in the construction. The material here does the bulk of the communicating, and it's almost always a beautiful message.

For every staircase in Japan, there are apparently another two staircases. Just look at this house, where one staircase abuts another in a pretty confusing way. Just when you think you're done with all the climbing, there you are, on another staircase. This is kind of the real-life embodiment of an M.C. Escher sketch.

Not every staircase in Japan is metal or wood. Here's one that's poured and suspended concrete. We've seen others built from Plexiglas. As open as some of these staircase designs are, there's nothing quite as unnerving as imagining a concrete riser crumbling under you as you ascend.

While many of these staircase designs feature a steep grade in order to save space and minimize clutter, every now and then we see a beautifully designed Japanese staircase that's just a little more stretched out. Our nerves and calves thank the designers at Aray Architecture for these calm, easy-to-climb stairs made of metal and timber.

It's undeniable that these designs are incredible. Even with the concern for safety taken into account, we want to see more of these efficient and gorgeous designs popping up all over the West. Looking at these just makes us feel like we've been deprived of truly genius design. We'll just keep climbing our boring, safe staircases.