How to model a spiral staircase?

This article describes how to model spiral staircases in Diamonds. Regardless the shape of the stairs itself, some form of simplification will always be necessary. We illustrate the two shapes using concrete stairs, but the same applies for staircases in steel.

Shape 1 – individual steps are recognizable

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Shape 2 – curved surface is recognizable

To generate a surface:

1. the selected perimeter must be closed
2. the selected perimeter must be in same plane.

For curved surfaces, the difficulty lies in the second condition. The easiest way to walk around around it, is by using triangles. But still this can cause struggles in Diamonds. Alternatively, you could use other software (like AutoCAD, Rhino or Grashopper) which are more intended to model complex shapes and import the curvature using DXF.

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