Stairway

Stairs, staircase, stairway, flight of stairs are all names for a construction to bridge a vertical distance by dividing it into small ones, steps.

They are in buildings and used for smaller vertical distances, and as physical exercise, and in the case of emergencies (some stairways, especially on the outside of a building, are only for emergencies, as fire-escape[?]). Stairways may be straight or round, or sometimes consisting of two straight pieces with a corner.

Sometimes there are stairs on a hiking path, avoiding more difficult climbing and also the detour that vehicles have to take.

Stairways are also used to enter and leave some vehicles. They may be a separate object or part of the vehicle, either fixed or foldable/retractable. There are also stairways in double-decker vehicles, and small ones in vehicles with a floor that is not everywhere at the same level.

Stairs are not suitable for wheelchairs and other vehicles.

Special stairways are an escalator and a ladder.

Alternatives are an elevator and an inclined moving sidewalk.

See also Stairway To Heaven.