Piano Stairs
December 1, 2009 - By Bobby Solomon - Category: Design & Music & TechnologySince my post about the stairs around Julliard I found this video about some musical stairs that were installed in Odenplan, Stockholm. The idea was that if stairs were made to be fun, that more people would use them. As it turns out, the stairs saw a 66% increase in usage because of this. Cute, right?
Now imagine if we did more imaginative things like this with stairs, but instead of music they produced power? Foot traffic is one of the most under utilized forms of potential energy. In my opinion they should rip out escalator all together and make stairs that capture the energy of your step to power buildings. I definitely realize that there are people out there with disabilities and so you have elevators to help them. Wouldn’t it be nice to start using these everyday objects in a more productive way?
Bobby
Comments
If you've got something to say, keep it positive.Brilliant way of getting people to take the stairs! The Boston Museum of Science has a similar setup :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm2xjSjSoQU
I’m right there with you on finding imaginative ways to capture potential energy. When I was in high school I had a eureka moment: If the swivel chairs in fast food restaurants could somehow be connected to turbines, I’m certain they could generate a significant amount of energy. That was my dream anyway, and I’m sticking with it.
@Steve – That’s a horrible idea, forget you ever had it…
**runs away with idea, makes trillions**
if only they could apply this concept to the gym i’d finally have a chance of getting into decent shape! nice find :)
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Yeah, I loved this idea from the first time I saw it, just think it’s adorable and really clever. Glad it’s found its way outside Sweden, hopefully it’ll happen again in some shape or form somewhere else in the world.
Have you seen this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3hS6BQDgwg
It seems to be right up your street…