9. An Ode to Stairs

Dalton is a vertical community and the stairways facilitate conversation and shared experience.

“While we often focus on the uniqueness of Dalton’s educational environment, we sometimes overlook the uniqueness of its physical environment. Schools are usually horizontal communities that are spread out over one or two large floors. But Dalton is a vertical community, consisting of thirteen (and soon to be more) worlds, each with its own distinct character.

The stairways are the glue that binds these diverse communities. They connect all members of the school in tight spaces that are crowded and chaotic but full of intercommunication and excitement. They belong equally to everyone—students, faculty, staff. They are a vital part of daily life and a unique facet of the Dalton experience. And they keep Dalton students in excellent shape.

They may seem plain and mundane, but these stairways facilitate the vibrant exchange of ideas that makes Dalton truly unique. They are easy to overlook but are a critical part of the Dalton experience.”
—Charles Harris ’05

The stairways are playing a central role during Dalton’s Centennial celebration providing the perfect canvas for exhibits as heavily trafficked but visually underutilized space. The east staircase features names of all alumni by class. A history timeline wall on the west staircase highlights milestones in Dalton’s 100–year history.

As part of Dalton’s ambitious expansion project, the school is gaining staircases to connect floors 10–14. Open communicating staircases will allow for moments of spontaneous, serendipitous conversation. Students passing the dance studio on their way to STEAM floors may be inspired to research the physics of dance!