Tread vs Going is a fundamental architectural and design terminology that distinguishes between two essential components of stair construction, where the tread represents the horizontal surface that one steps on, while the going refers to the horizontal distance between two consecutive risers. This critical distinction plays a vital role in stair design, safety regulations, and overall architectural planning, as these measurements directly impact user comfort and accessibility. The tread, being the actual stepping surface, typically extends slightly beyond the going measurement due to nosing (the part that projects beyond the riser beneath), and must provide adequate space for foot placement during ascent and descent. The going, measured from riser to riser, is a crucial factor in determining the pitch and overall run of the staircase, with standard residential measurements typically ranging between 220mm to 300mm depending on regional building codes and specific applications. These measurements are intrinsically linked to human anthropometrics and biomechanics, as they must accommodate the average human stride length and foot size while maintaining a comfortable climbing rhythm. Throughout architectural history, the relationship between tread and going has been studied extensively, leading to the development of various mathematical formulas and design principles, such as the well-known 2 riser + 1 going = 638mm rule, which helps architects and designers create ergonomically sound staircases. The distinction between tread and going becomes particularly significant in different stair applications, from grand ceremonial staircases to space-saving designs in urban dwellings, where each measurement must be carefully calculated to ensure both safety and functionality while meeting local building regulations and design standards. This fundamental aspect of stair design is often featured in architectural competitions and awards, including the A' Design Award's architectural design category, where innovative approaches to stair design demonstrate the evolving understanding of these crucial measurements.
Stair design, architectural measurements, ergonomic planning, building regulations, step construction, stair safety, spatial optimization
CITATION : "Lucas Reed. 'Tread Vs Going.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=470145 (Accessed on May 09, 2025)"
Tread vs Going is a fundamental architectural and design terminology distinction that refers to the two primary horizontal components of a stair step, each serving distinct functional purposes in stair construction and user experience. The tread represents the horizontal surface area where a person places their foot while ascending or descending the stairs, while the going (also known as run or depth) refers to the horizontal distance between the face of one riser to the face of the next riser, measured from nosing to nosing. This critical dimensional relationship has evolved through centuries of architectural practice and ergonomic research to establish optimal proportions that ensure safe and comfortable vertical circulation in buildings. The relationship between tread and going is governed by established design principles and building codes, typically following the principle that two risers plus one going should equal between 550-700mm (known as the walking formula). The tread must provide adequate surface area to support the human foot, typically extending slightly beyond the going measurement due to the nosing overhang, which serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. In contemporary design practice, the going dimension usually ranges from 220-300mm for standard stairs, while the tread surface may be 15-25mm wider due to the nosing projection. This careful consideration of proportions has significant implications for user safety, comfort, and spatial efficiency, making it a crucial aspect of architectural design that is often scrutinized in design competitions, including the A' Design Award's architectural and interior design categories, where innovative yet functional stair designs are regularly recognized for their contribution to spatial design excellence.
stairs design, architectural elements, vertical circulation, step dimensions, ergonomic design, building safety standards
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