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I think it’s only fair to agree on one simple thing. If an indoor space, or an outdoor one, for that matter, has a stairway, however long or short, it should serve its function. First, it should bring us up and down at least one level and second, it should be safe. That’s the bare minimum, right?

But it turns out, some stair designers out there have had their minds spun by invisible hamsters on a wheel. Right below, it becomes very clear why. You see, if the stairs cost you a potentially immeasurable amount of broken legs, you’d be better off without them.

Bored Panda has compiled the most absurd cases of stair designs gone very wrong that make a ladder look like a premium lift in comparison. My popcorn is ready, how about you?

#2

Not A Paradox, Just A Normal Russian Architecture

Not A Paradox, Just A Normal Russian Architecture

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#3

Steps That You Can't See

Steps That You Can't See

Paarnahkrin Report

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fro_st puppy
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some poor bad eye sighted person or pretty much anyone is literally going to bash their leg on that or worse

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Although the absurd stair designs may look quite funny from the comfort of a computer, in reality, they cause some very serious risks to people who use them. National Safety Council statistics rank stairway injuries second only to motor vehicle accidents among leading causes of accidents. Moreover, World Health Organization states that falls are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide.

According to the representative of the Law Offices of Andrew D. Myers, a civil litigation attorney who focuses on personal injury, bankruptcy, business law and other civil matters, children and adults over 65 are especially at high risk. 

“Each year, one in three elderly adults suffers a serious stairway fall. Such injuries can increase the chances of an earlier death and reduce the ability to live independently. The elderly face a higher likelihood of falling because they often experience muscle weakness and potential dizziness from taking a variety of medications. This risk rises as they age.”

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They state that common injuries caused by stairway falls include internal bleeding, fractured bones, brain injuries, soft-tissue injuries, and dislocations. Moreover, Safety Council statistics indicate falls are among the most common causes of traumatic brain injury, so in no way can the possibility of falling down the stairs be looked at lightly.

To prevent such injuries, premises liability law requires property owners to reasonably maintain stairways. According to the Law Offices of Andrew D. Myers, “The law also holds property owners responsible where injuries occur as a result of dangerous or hazardous conditions. If proven that injuries directly resulted from a property owner’s negligence, then the injured person may be able to collect compensation for pain and suffering, lost income, and reimbursement for medical bills related to the accident.”

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#7

These Are Stairs In My Town. Just How?

These Are Stairs In My Town. Just How?

kprincess Report

#8

These Stairs In My In-Laws' Summerhouse. We Have Parties Here So Going Down These Stairs Drunk Is A Challenge

These Stairs In My In-Laws' Summerhouse. We Have Parties Here So Going Down These Stairs Drunk Is A Challenge

reddit.com Report

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#10

Got An Unsatisfying Feeling When Walking Downstairs And The Last Step Was Not There

Got An Unsatisfying Feeling When Walking Downstairs And The Last Step Was Not There

antglin Report

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A.M. Pierre
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And that's where you step forward gracefully expecting a stair and end up looking like an especially awkward giraffe as you try to recover.

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#13

The “Extra” Two Inches Of Concrete At The Top Of My Stairs. We Call It “The Tripper”

The “Extra” Two Inches Of Concrete At The Top Of My Stairs. We Call It “The Tripper”

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#15

This Is Russia

This Is Russia

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#17

You Have To Go Up The Stairs, And Then Down The Stairs To Get To The Door

You Have To Go Up The Stairs, And Then Down The Stairs To Get To The Door

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#23

Stairway To Heaven

Stairway To Heaven

spookydaddio Report

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Abhijeet
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Place Cristiano Ronaldo bronze bust there, it will be a tourist magnet in no time.

tomruns12
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Easy to explain. The stairs were built before hand rails were required and the owners found a cheap solution rather than rebuilding the entire thing.

Marcellus the Third
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it's a matter of retrofitting: First only the stair on the right, then "wheelchair access" legal requirement demands a refurb... which they solved in the cheapest possible way I guess (original staircase 40% narrower, not even bothered to demolish the leftover) OR they insisted on it being removable as this "wheelchair" fashion will blow over, in their minds.

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DangaTank
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT. WHY DID THEY EVEN PUT THAT THERE????? IT MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE!!!!

lizzy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t think that is hevan I think that is in the same spot or no where

Seabeast
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now I'm going to have that song in my head all day. Thanks.

Frank Ropen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess they installed the ramp sometime after the stairs were built.

AnimalsRuleHumansDrool
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like a horse mounting block (if you don't know it's for getting on a horse)

Paul Aguilera
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

when God rejects you, you go down the slide like chutes and ladders

Amy Jo Buchanan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

😂 Yeah this is cuuuteee! How stairs could possibly be cute is beyond me, yet I feel it here looking at this 😂

2BX
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks like the were Told to make it 88 accessible so they demolished all the steps on the left and put in a ramp

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#26

This Fuzzy Staircase

This Fuzzy Staircase

analogHedgeHog Report

#27

When I Tripped On The Stairs I Cut My Arm On These Things, And Continued To Fall Down The Stairs (I'm The 5th Victim This Week)

When I Tripped On The Stairs I Cut My Arm On These Things, And Continued To Fall Down The Stairs (I'm The 5th Victim This Week)

JeffKaplanFromOW Report

#28

Don't Think The Owner Of This Hotel Thought This Through

Don't Think The Owner Of This Hotel Thought This Through

mediagarden Report

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Raven Sheridan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's take the stairs. Urgh...on second thought, how about we wait for the lift?

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#29

Just A Staircase In St. Petersburg

Just A Staircase In St. Petersburg

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#31

Wheelchair Ramp To A Staircase In A Mall In Haugesund, Norway

Wheelchair Ramp To A Staircase In A Mall In Haugesund, Norway

01aleksander Report

#34

These Stairs Carpeted With A Pattern That Makes It Hard To See The Edge

These Stairs Carpeted With A Pattern That Makes It Hard To See The Edge

ke4ukz Report

#37

You Gotta Pay Attention On These Stairs In A Cinema

You Gotta Pay Attention On These Stairs In A Cinema

DurkleR Report

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BigFish Artwire
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it wasn't for the wall to the left in the picture I wouldn't know that those are steps

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#38

Painted In A Hotel Stairwell Leading To Fitness Center

Painted In A Hotel Stairwell Leading To Fitness Center

Westonhaus Report

#39

When Your Gym Tries Hard To Motivate You But Fails To Make Any Sense

When Your Gym Tries Hard To Motivate You But Fails To Make Any Sense

james_pawned Report

#40

This Bathroom With Too Many Stairs

This Bathroom With Too Many Stairs

bgwinup Report

#41

These Stairs At My Friend's House

These Stairs At My Friend's House

Tom_Theunissen Report

#43

Wasting A Third Of The Staircase

Wasting A Third Of The Staircase

Inuj Report

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John Otruba
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Building codes change and if this is in a public space rails probably added to comply

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#44

Great Paint Job, Especially That Last “Step”

Great Paint Job, Especially That Last “Step”

leinamichelle Report

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Sheepeggs
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine going down the stairs blindfolded, you finally get the hang of it when suddenly you reach the bottom. Now imagine yo have perfectly good eyesight, you finally get the hang of it when suddenly you reach the bottom.

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#45

When Personal Injury Lawers Moonlight As Interior A Designer

When Personal Injury Lawers Moonlight As Interior A Designer

HK23E Report

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#47

Somehow, I Managed To Go 5 Blissfully Ignorant Stair-Traversing Years Without Noticing

Somehow, I Managed To Go 5 Blissfully Ignorant Stair-Traversing Years Without Noticing

imgur.com Report

#48

An Alternate Path For Disabled With... Steps

An Alternate Path For Disabled With... Steps

theseynois Report

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KatHat
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't see it labeled for the disabled. It could be for someone with a stroller, a suitcase, or just someone with a walker or cane.

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#49

I'm Sorry, But How Is This Even Remotely Designed To Be Wheelchair Accessible? It's Insulting To Even Have The Sign There

I'm Sorry, But How Is This Even Remotely Designed To Be Wheelchair Accessible? It's Insulting To Even Have The Sign There

ShesGotSauce Report

#51

If You Walk On The Right You Fall Down A Staircase

If You Walk On The Right You Fall Down A Staircase

Banana_Moose123 Report

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#56

These Deadly Looking Stone Decorations

These Deadly Looking Stone Decorations

Pomoc48 Report

#57

These Long Stairs That Require You To Have Either One Awkwardly Long Stride Or Two Awkwardly Short Strides For Each Step

These Long Stairs That Require You To Have Either One Awkwardly Long Stride Or Two Awkwardly Short Strides For Each Step

ruinrunner Report

#58

This 3” Step In My Sister’s Hallway. I Have Stubbed My Toe 3 Times In 2 Hours

This 3” Step In My Sister’s Hallway. I Have Stubbed My Toe 3 Times In 2 Hours

jamdannad Report

#60

You Either Have To Leave The Stairwell Or Climb The Bar If You Want The Upper Floors

You Either Have To Leave The Stairwell Or Climb The Bar If You Want The Upper Floors

FoxFyre1 Report

#61

Never Thought I'd See A Staircase Like This With My Own Eyes

Never Thought I'd See A Staircase Like This With My Own Eyes

Dooompancake Report

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#63

One Half Of The Stairs Has A Bar Across The Path For No Apparent Reason

One Half Of The Stairs Has A Bar Across The Path For No Apparent Reason

USSR_Octopus Report

#65

The Los Angeles Subway Designed Their Stairs To Look Like Escalators. You Don't Notice Until You Turn The Corner

The Los Angeles Subway Designed Their Stairs To Look Like Escalators. You Don't Notice Until You Turn The Corner

hotdoug1 Report

#66

Is This How Architects Commit Murder?

Is This How Architects Commit Murder?

TLEPaz Report

#67

This Escalator Starts After The First Set Of Stairs

This Escalator Starts After The First Set Of Stairs

PM_ME_COBBER Report

#68

Invisible Step At My Parent's New House That Has Injured 4 Of My Family

Invisible Step At My Parent's New House That Has Injured 4 Of My Family

Vindicore Report

#69

Stairwell At My University

Stairwell At My University

cornmeal_witty Report

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#70

This "Handicap Friendly" Staircase

This "Handicap Friendly" Staircase

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#71

These Stairs Have An Extra Step That's Only An Inch

These Stairs Have An Extra Step That's Only An Inch

Woweewowow Report

#72

The Spiral Stairs At My House. Im Barely 5'7"

The Spiral Stairs At My House. Im Barely 5'7"

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#73

Some Homemade Stairs Someone On Facebook Did. They Seemed Really Proud, But I Don't Think They Thought This Through

Some Homemade Stairs Someone On Facebook Did. They Seemed Really Proud, But I Don't Think They Thought This Through

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Ian Koch
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

along with other alternating stairs (not all of them though) if you get used to it, and you stay sober, or never traverse the stairs while tipsy, it will seem normal to you.

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#75

This Stairway At My Doctor's Office Where You Have Exit And Reenter To Keep Going Down

This Stairway At My Doctor's Office Where You Have Exit And Reenter To Keep Going Down

rocketsauze Report

#76

Watching My Cholesterol, Better Take The Stairs

Watching My Cholesterol, Better Take The Stairs

congratsyoucanread Report

#77

My House Has Many Of These Architect Flaws (I Live In Brazil), One Of Them Is The Flaw In The Ceiling Of The Living Room's Stairs That Makes My Mom's Bathroom Have Stairs

My House Has Many Of These Architect Flaws (I Live In Brazil), One Of Them Is The Flaw In The Ceiling Of The Living Room's Stairs That Makes My Mom's Bathroom Have Stairs

Louas52 Report

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#79

These Stairs At My Grandma's House

These Stairs At My Grandma's House

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#82

These Stairs In A Mexican Beach Resort (Near Cabo San Lucas)

These Stairs In A Mexican Beach Resort (Near Cabo San Lucas)

ThePiedPiperOfYou Report

#83

Every 4th Step Is Slightly Longer Than The Others, Making You Almost Stumble Down

Every 4th Step Is Slightly Longer Than The Others, Making You Almost Stumble Down

lolcop01 Report

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Ian Koch
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that literally only makes the stairs more expensive. the people building this, and the people who wanted their stairs like this, are COMPLETE idiots.

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#84

It Isn't A Step. I Almost Tripped

It Isn't A Step. I Almost Tripped

lI_DarkHorse_Il Report

#85

Who Needs Clearly Visible Steps On An Outdoor Starway?

Who Needs Clearly Visible Steps On An Outdoor Starway?

hDruck Report

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Pilot Chick
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did they make a carpet pattern out of the printer cartridge alignment page?

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#86

Accessibility Ramp To The Stairs

Accessibility Ramp To The Stairs

Sekmet19 Report

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#87

These Are Right Next To The Stairs In My School

These Are Right Next To The Stairs In My School

R0n4ld_Th3_B0y Report

#89

This Stairwell Without A Crossover

This Stairwell Without A Crossover

paulbrec Report

#90

Wheelchair Accessible Bathrooms With Stairs

Wheelchair Accessible Bathrooms With Stairs

FirrballSW Report

#93

This Crappy Staircase At My School

This Crappy Staircase At My School

noabryan Report

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#94

A Hotel Room For Disabled People With A Staircase

A Hotel Room For Disabled People With A Staircase

Husky Report

#95

This Staircase

This Staircase

MrHallmark Report

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Brandi VanSteenwyk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Streamlining traffic in a safe (handrails) traffic. Many times, situations like the stairs becoming congested as the wider bottom blends with the rest of the staircase only show over time. So rather than removing and rebuilding, this is a safe compromise.

#96

This Staircase To Nowhere At My University

This Staircase To Nowhere At My University

Grizzzed Report

#97

Oh So You Want The Wheelchair Ramp? Climb

Oh So You Want The Wheelchair Ramp? Climb

StormCoffeeCat Report

#98

In Our Company, There Is A Stairway Into Oblivion

In Our Company, There Is A Stairway Into Oblivion

Kabelwurst Report

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#99

Weird Stairs, You Climb Up Them And Then You're Met With A Small Set Of Stairs That Go Down

Weird Stairs, You Climb Up Them And Then You're Met With A Small Set Of Stairs That Go Down

Ziro23 Report

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#101

Handrail That Funnels People Onto Ever-Narrower Steps

Handrail That Funnels People Onto Ever-Narrower Steps

HAHA_goats Report

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#102

Don't Come Stumbling In This House Drunk At Night

Don't Come Stumbling In This House Drunk At Night

togish Report

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#103

The Disabled Bathroom? It's Right There - Up The Step

The Disabled Bathroom? It's Right There - Up The Step

Titwank911 Report

#104

This Top Step I Almost Tripped On While Heading Down

This Top Step I Almost Tripped On While Heading Down

Watick Report

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#105

These Ridiculously Helpful Stairs

These Ridiculously Helpful Stairs

littlematerz1 Report

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#106

You Can't Really See The Step

You Can't Really See The Step

NoahSpielt Report

#108

Half Of The Staircase Is Blocked Off At The Top

Half Of The Staircase Is Blocked Off At The Top

FrenchJackhammer Report

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#109

Stairs With "Extra Steps"

Stairs With "Extra Steps"

martinsalmi Report

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#110

I Raise You One "Most Useless Staircase In The World"

I Raise You One "Most Useless Staircase In The World"

wonkothesane13 Report

#111

Guess I'll Just Walk Out Of My Wheelchair To Climb Those Stairs And Then Continue Happily On The Ramp. When I Come Back I'll Do A Backflip

Guess I'll Just Walk Out Of My Wheelchair To Climb Those Stairs And Then Continue Happily On The Ramp. When I Come Back I'll Do A Backflip

stef_dan Report

#112

Wheelchair Accessible Washrooms Are Located On The Second Floor. Just A Quick Trip Up The Escalator

Wheelchair Accessible Washrooms Are Located On The Second Floor. Just A Quick Trip Up The Escalator

_timewasted Report

#113

So... What Are These Stairs For? They Don't Lead Anywhere

So... What Are These Stairs For? They Don't Lead Anywhere

vitor_k890 Report

#114

This Six Inch Wide Triangle Window In A Stairwell On My Campus. Just Why?

This Six Inch Wide Triangle Window In A Stairwell On My Campus. Just Why?

KamikazeBeaverShark Report

#115

This Stairwell

This Stairwell

bastian74 Report

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#116

This Staircase In Mexico. I Nearly Fell Down

This Staircase In Mexico. I Nearly Fell Down

watermelman Report

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#117

Garage Door Opens To Middle Of Staircase

Garage Door Opens To Middle Of Staircase

nandeen Report

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#119

Where Do Those Other Stairs Go

Where Do Those Other Stairs Go

andrewisxwz Report

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#120

What Is The Point Of The Left Side Of The Stairs?

What Is The Point Of The Left Side Of The Stairs?

ThickSpaghettiSause Report

#121

The First Step Doesn't Step Down, Almost Tripped

The First Step Doesn't Step Down, Almost Tripped

matrixgamer35 Report

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#122

I Always Trip On These Stairs Every Time Walk On Them

I Always Trip On These Stairs Every Time Walk On Them

Capn_Tyler97 Report

#124

This Totally Misleading Handrail

This Totally Misleading Handrail

YouSayItLikeItsBad Report

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#126

Not Only Do These Stairs Alternate Heights, But They Are Uncomfortable To Go 1 Nor 2 At A Time Because Of The Length Alternation

Not Only Do These Stairs Alternate Heights, But They Are Uncomfortable To Go 1 Nor 2 At A Time Because Of The Length Alternation

ToxicGaming8273 Report

#127

Stairs Leading Nowhere

Stairs Leading Nowhere

klaafas Report

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#129

These Stairs Go Into A Block Wall

These Stairs Go Into A Block Wall

LeprosyDick Report

#130

Stairs To Nowhere

Stairs To Nowhere

CancerHobbit Report

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#131

My Apartment Building. Many Old People Have Complained Cause They Have A Hard Time Getting Up The Stairs But Management Just Told Them To Go The Extra 50 Meters And Take The Elevator

My Apartment Building. Many Old People Have Complained Cause They Have A Hard Time Getting Up The Stairs But Management Just Told Them To Go The Extra 50 Meters And Take The Elevator

jespereklund Report

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Ian Koch
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

50 METERS! That's more than half a football field! (yes I'm from the U.S and yes I understand the metric system, for the most part, not all Americans are stupid. most of them are. but not all of them.)

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#132

I Don't Understand Why'd You Even Waste Concrete With These Stairs

I Don't Understand Why'd You Even Waste Concrete With These Stairs

harrisz2 Report

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Rob Chapman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The lighter concrete tells me the ramp was added later, and the stars were blocked off at that point.

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#133

These Steps At My University

These Steps At My University

Hunt3rLl0yd Report

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#134

The Lift In This Building Is On Every Alternate Half-Level From Where The Doors To The Houses Are

The Lift In This Building Is On Every Alternate Half-Level From Where The Doors To The Houses Are

caffeine_lights Report

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Hugo Raible
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same in my building. Not enough space to build full floor height stairs.

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#135

Pipe Blocking Stairway

Pipe Blocking Stairway

ERENSAVAGE Report

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Raven Sheridan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Probably for the best. This is a murder stairway if there ever was one. 😬

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#136

These Stairs Lead Nowhere

These Stairs Lead Nowhere

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#137

Fun Stairs

Fun Stairs

TrueWarrior Report

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Ian Koch
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would say this could be ok if you got used to this, but those stairs look a bit too tall.

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