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Using signs, artwork, and music to promote stair use in a public building
K N Boutelle1, R W Jeffery, D M Murray
1Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA. kerri.boutelle@childrenshc.org
Objectives:
This study assessed the impact on stair use of improving the attractiveness of a stairwell.
Methods:
Observations of stair usage were made in a university building during baseline, 2 interventions, and follow-up. The first intervention involved signs; the second intervention added artwork and music in the stairwell.
Results:
More participants used the stairs during the music and artwork intervention than at baseline or when signs alone were used.
Conclusions:
Improving the aesthetic qualities of a stairwell can increase rates of stair usage in a public building. Designs for buildings should take accessibility and aesthetic issues into consideration.
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