Thanks for interesting message, esp alert to architect Aarvar AAlto
(correct spelling below, but if I use control-V to go there, my software
freaks out). No, please don't go to effort of sending pictures. I will
expect to see them featured in the NYTimes one of these days.
 
Yes, ramps can be a wonderful architectural element. I appreciate even the
uglier, often retro-fitted ones, as do many fully functional people who
are pushing a baby stroller or lugging a shopping cart, and want to go to
the library (or up and down the mini-ramps that are curb cuts).
 
I have a concern on the other side: places that provide escalators and
ramps, but do not provide the alternative of stairs. This is true of some
NYC subway stations. It can be hard in a city to build exercise, including
lifting your leg to a step, into your day. In an office building where I
worked, I was asked NOT to use the stairwell to get to my 7th floor
office, for security reasons. Meaning, I guess, they worried I would be
attacked in the stairwell and then sue the building. Or perhaps just that
it was easier for guard to monitor just access to elevators, not
stairwell.
 
I hope designers will be alert to such problems as well. So build
beautiful ramps, but keep those space-efficient, exercise-providing
stairs: save our quadriceps!
 
How very intelligent of you to use this forum to educate us about design
problems and solutions, and to educate yourself about the range of
considerations. I hope you will urge other designers and architects to do
so. And if you can make a commercial success of it as well, nothing could
be better for all concerned.
 
 On Thu, 10 Feb 1994, Mark Wilson wrote:
 
> Barbara Michalak:
> They are not at all bulky, and work better than any bulky handle could ever
> work.  It is even difficult for some people who see the simply lines to
> believe they work at all.  Once you put them in your hands, it is like....
> Well one person told me it was like Colombus's egg (Uovo di Colombo).  He was
> in a bar one evening -true story- and like bar bets go, he told someone he
> could make an egg stand on end.  You've probably heard it.  Anyhow, when they
> said he couldn't do it, he tapped the egg on the end until he dented it a
> little bit - and voila'!  The guy said "That's obvious".  His answer was "it
> wasn't obvious to you until I did it".  I would be happy to send you some
> photos.  I think the pictures showing them being held with various hand
> positions would make it clear.
>
> I think you are absolutely right about the real problem being a poliltical
> and awareness problem.  No doubt about it.  But to me, in a sense, it is a
> moral one as well.  And you can't mandate morality.  For example:  barrier
> free architecture means we are supposed to have accessibility - which
> naturally means ramps.  There are examples of ramps throughout history which
> are not "handicap ramps" but means of gracefully winding up and down from one
> level to another - the concern had nothing to do with accessibility.  You
> would think that a designer with a little talent would make the ramp
> something more (as the historical example - there are also some modern
> example).  Unfortunately there are very few dignified ramps.  For most
> corporate architectural firms, the ramp is a requirement.  Just put it in.
> The conscientious designer dignifies it; the majority don't.  It really is a
> great oppotunity that is being lost.  Many examples could be cited.
>
> I think one of the world's greatest architects was Aalvar Aalto.  He always
> considered the "weakest" persons in his designs.  His hospitals and libraries
> - and countless other designs - show incredible sensitivity to the weak.