In brief
From quirky designs to dangerous climbs, a Facebook group named 'Death Stairs' has captured the attention of nearly 800,000 members globally, celebrating the eccentricity of unconventional staircases, including one from a Dublin childhood home.
In a twist that brings together humor and danger, a Facebook group named "Death Stairs" is amassing thousands of followers who share and celebrate the most hazardous staircases from around the world. Founded by a small group of friends, it has now expanded to nearly 800,000 members who delight in showcasing stairs that, while artistic, can be perilous to navigate.One such staircase is located in the Dublin home of Kevin Reid, whose childhood memories include the distinctive bright green staircase crafted from pipe fittings. To Reid, it always felt more like a creative ladder than a traditional staircase. This raising of eyebrows and shared incredulity resonated with members after it was posted in the group.What makes a staircase worthy of the 'death stairs' title? Criteria vary widely, including narrow triangular treads, glass spiral designs reflecting in mirrored walls, and dramatically steep wooden stairs hewn into cliffs, like one breathtaking feature in New Zealand. While they may look dangerous, many of these staircases are solidly built - a testament to their unique construction.Reid recalls his father as the inventor behind the unusual design, incorporated during a two-story addition to their home. “They’re solid,” Reid remarked, teasingly suggesting that while socks may lead to an embarrassing slip, they’re actually quite fun to navigate. “You can fairly rush down them, and they make a nice ringing sound.”As the phenomenon of 'Death Stairs' continues to gain traction, it sparks conversations about architecture's blend of functionality and art, reminding us of the quirky yet often unsafe designs that can emerge from creative ambition.
