VectorWorks Architect contains a customizable stair object, which allows a user to build up a stair from a user-defined series of flights and platforms (landings) in various geometries. The stair is a hybrid object, offering complete control over the 2D appearance for both the lower and upper floors, as well as a 3D component for presentation drawings.
In VectorWorks Fundamentals, the stair object has limited capabilities and configurations. In the Design Series products, the stair object includes many more options, can be put into an unlimited number of configurations, and performs many stair design chores automatically.
The stair is most effectively used in drawings that have layers set up according to the building levels in the project. The stair object can then be set to determine its own floor-to-floor height, on the basis of the difference between the layer Z heights. When layers with set Z heights are present, the stair automatically calculates the number of risers it needs, given the floor-to-floor height and the maximum riser height. More importantly, the stair creates a “going up” representation of itself on the lower floor, and a “coming down” representation of itself on the upper floor. This avoids having to draw stairs on two different layers, and edit them separately, to completely represent the same physical staircase. Stair break options can be set differently on each layer, to get exactly the desired look in plan view.
Instead of having a limited number of predetermined configurations, the stair supports a variable number of flights and landings, making it possible to create any combination of elements required by the stair design.