Concept
As cities get more populated, the share of apartment floor space within these densely packed buildings get smaller, and trickier to manage.
Our project was conceived after wondering about access to spaces, and the physical space that this “access” takes as well.
Inspired by the famous moving staircases of Hogwarts; we wondered whether we could build a system that connected different levels of an apartment to each other, while concealing itself when not required.
The Unfolding Spiral Staircase is a system that conceals itself within the walls of the room when not required; and upon interaction with the system, the staircase unfolds outwards, provides passage to the user, after which it refolds itself back into the space in the wall.
Prototype
A kinetic staircase that uses an ultrasonic distance sensor, an Arduino controller, and a stepper motor to move five sliding steps sequentially. Constructed from cardboard, the model transforms in response to nearby movement, creating an interactive architectural experience inspired by the shifting staircases of Hogwarts.
Circuit Design
The circuit connects an ultrasonic sensor and a stepper motor to the Grove Beginner Kit for Arduino.
The ultrasonic sensor measures the distance to nearby objects and sends the data to the Arduino board. Based on the measured distance, the Arduino controls the stepper motor through a driver module.
The system allows the motor to respond automatically to changes in distance. All components are connected through jumper wires.
Arduino Code
Working Prototype
Render
Cinematic Immersion
Future Developments
- Refine the staircase components: Use laser-cut or 3D-printed parts to improve the precision, durability, and smooth movement of the five sliding steps.
- Conceal the mechanical and electrical systems: Design an enclosure to hide the motor, wiring, and electronic components while maintaining easy access for maintenance.
- Integrate a self-contained power supply: Incorporate a battery to power the system, reducing reliance on a USB connection and improving portability.
- Enhance the surrounding architecture: Develop the external structure with additional architectural details, textures, and decorative elements to create a more immersive environment.
