Double-Helix Staircases Twist Tradition
When I was in middle school, I took a trip abroad with my French class that included a stop in France's Loire Valley, famous for its grand châteaux. Although many details about that spring week have faded over time, I clearly recall the moment I saw the famous double-helix staircase that lies at the heart of Château de Chambord. This 16th-century marble wonder spans several floors without the helices ever meeting; if you and a friend each climbed one at the same time, you'd never glimpse each other. No one is sure who designed the staircase, though Leonardo da Vinci often gets the credit.
Ever since then, I've been fascinated by double-helix stairs, and if I ever build my dream home, they'll be right at the center.
Ever since then, I've been fascinated by double-helix stairs, and if I ever build my dream home, they'll be right at the center.
I leave you with this: a look at the staircase that started it all for me.
Q