Plate LVII. Staircases with Central Domed Halls

Plate LVII. — The treatment shown in diagrams Nos. I and II is in principle an extension of the theories illustrated in diagrams Nos. IV and V on Plate LV.

In this case, however, the staircase is continued to the full width of the central space with columns forming screens at the junction of the staircase with the vestibule on the ground floor, and an internal peristyle completing the architectural sequence above. Nos. III and IV show a highly successful grouping of twin staircases on either side of a circular vestibule. In this case it has been possible to light the staircases only from above, but such is the ingenuity of the design that every part is adequately lit. These diagrams are based on the internal approaches at Drury Lane Theatre, London, which have been in continual use for a century. In this building not only was it necessary for the public to reach the first floor level in a direct manner, but access to a higher level was essential, and this was affected by diminishing the width of the upper flight, thereby obstructing the flow of light from above as little as possible. This example should be of great interest to the student for, on analysis, it will be found that in the arrangement are combined many of the elemental forms described in preceding series of Plates in this book, such as the combination of circles, squares, columnar screens, coved ceilings and domes, and he will observe the importance of the fact that in all such compositions, if they are to be successful, one feature must dominate both vertically and horizontally.