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Design Implications to Increase Utilization of Stairwells
Afrooz Moatari-Kazerouni1, Priyadarshini Pennathur2, Sharon J Tucker3
1Polytechnique Montreal afrooz.moatari-kazerouni@polymtl.ca.
Workplace Health & Safety
|November 21, 2015
Summary
Promoting stairwell use can increase physical activity. Design interventions like motivational signs and cardio indicators can encourage staff and students to choose stairs over elevators, addressing factors like travel distance.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
- Health Promotion
Background:
- Stairwell use offers a cost-effective method to boost physical activity within daily routines.
- Limited guidance exists for architects and engineers on designing facilities to encourage stair use.
- Understanding user preferences is crucial for promoting stairwell adoption in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors influencing the choice between stairwells and elevators among hospital staff and students.
- To evaluate physical design recommendations for promoting stairwell utilization in a teaching hospital.
Main Methods:
- A case study was conducted at a teaching hospital.
- Data was collected through an online survey distributed to hospital staff and students.
Main Results:
- Travel distance and direction were identified as primary determinants for elevator preference.
- Participants' choices were significantly influenced by environmental and design factors within the stairwells.
Conclusions:
- Architectural and design modifications can effectively encourage stairwell use.
- Implementing motivational signage and physical activity feedback systems (e.g., cardio indicators) are promising strategies.
- Further research can inform the design of healthier built environments in healthcare facilities.
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