Rethinking One Rule Could Help North American Buildings Be Better Designed

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Imagine walking through a charming neighborhood lined with quaint, walk-up apartments, each brimming with character and history. These buildings, often found in cities worldwide, are not just architectural gems but also a testament to urban diversity.

However, in North America, a different story unfolds. Apartment buildings are larger, more imposing, and stretch across entire blocks.

The Point Access Block

Characterized by a single staircase and elevator connecting all units, these buildings are typically more compact and slender than their North American counterparts.

The Two-Staircase Mandate & Its Implications

A critical building code in the US and Canada stipulates that all apartments above two or three stories must have two separate staircases. This requirement, much stricter than in other countries, has significant implications.

The Challenge of Building More Housing

This stringent staircase requirement poses a major challenge in building more housing. Larger buildings need bigger properties, often necessitating land assembly – a complex and costly process.

The Two-Staircase Mandate & Its Implications

A critical building code in the US and Canada stipulates that all apartments above two or three stories must have two separate staircases. This requirement, much stricter than in other countries, has significant implications.

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