Short answer

Prioritize staircase design and accessibility as a means to promote occupant cognitive health and well-being.

Field
Human Factors
Source
Buildings (2025)
Method
Scenario-based modelling
Evidence
Strong effect

Architectural parameters of staircases, such as riser height and floor count, can be modulated to predictably increase exercise intensity during use, thereby elevating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. This human factors research insight is drawn from a 2025 study published in Buildings. Using Scenario-based modelling, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize staircase design and accessibility as a means to promote occupant cognitive health and well-being.

Study
Human FactorsNew This WeekStrong effect

Staircase design can boost brain health by up to 40% through increased BDNF.

Architectural parameters of staircases, such as riser height and floor count, can be modulated to predictably increase exercise intensity during use, thereby elevating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels.

Buildings · 2025

01

Key Findings

  • 01Stair use generally has higher METs than other indoor activities.
  • 02Architectural parameters like riser height and floor number predictably modulate exercise intensity during stair use.
  • 03High-intensity interval stair climbing (6 minutes) is predicted to increase serum BDNF by up to 40%.
  • 04Vertical architecture can serve as accessible infrastructure for boosting BDNF, neurogenesis, and brain health.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Prioritize staircase design and accessibility as a means to promote occupant cognitive health and well-being.

How to apply

When designing or renovating buildings, consider the impact of staircase dimensions, location, and accessibility on encouraging physical activity and its subsequent cognitive benefits.

Project actions

  • 01Consider how the physical form of an object or space can influence user behaviour and physiological outcomes.
  • 02Explore the use of modelling to predict the impact of design choices on human health.
03

Method & Evidence

AimHow can architectural parameters of staircases be optimized to maximize the elevation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through increased physical activity?
MethodScenario-based modelling
ProcedureA framework was developed to model the association between metabolic equivalents (METs) during stair use and BDNF response studies. Architectural parameters (riser height, floor number, pace) were analyzed to predict exercise intensity. Two patterns of stair use (moderate-intensity continuous and high-intensity interval) were identified and their potential BDNF boosting effects were estimated based on established intensity-BDNF relationships.
ContextBuilding design, architecture, public health, neuroscience

Variables

IV["Architectural parameters of staircases (riser height, floor number)","Stair use patterns (duration, intensity, load-carrying)"]
DV["Exercise intensity (METs)","Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels"]
CV["Participant characteristics (age, fitness level - if direct testing were done)","Environmental conditions (lighting, temperature - if direct testing were done)"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Novel framework for linking architecture to neurogenesis.
  • +Quantifiable predictions for BDNF elevation.

Limitations

Directly measuring BDNF levels is complex and likely beyond the scope of a typical design project; therefore, focus on measurable proxies for physical exertion.

Reliability & validity

The validity of the findings relies on the accuracy of the METs estimations and the established relationships between exercise intensity and BDNF. Reliability would be enhanced by direct physiological measurements in future studies.

Think critically

To what extent can architectural design alone drive significant physiological changes, or are behavioural interventions equally crucial?

05

Design Principles

"Integrate physiological benefits into the functional and aesthetic design of architectural elements."

This research highlights how the built environment, specifically the design of staircases, can be leveraged as a tool to promote cognitive health. By understanding the relationship between architectural features and physiological responses, designers can create spaces that actively contribute to user well-being.

06

What This Means for Your Design

The way stairs are built and used can actually make your brain healthier by increasing a special chemical called BDNF.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use the concept of designing for health benefits as a justification for design choices.
  • 2.Reference the modelling approach to explain how you predict the success of your design.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This design project explores the potential for architectural elements to positively impact user health. By modelling the relationship between staircase design parameters and physiological responses, it is evident that features such as riser height and floor count can be optimized to increase exercise intensity, thereby elevating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. This approach allows for the creation of environments that actively contribute to cognitive well-being.

09

Source

Buildings

Brain Booster Buildings: Modelling Stair Use as a Daily Booster of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

journal · 2025

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about staircase design can boost brain health by up to 40% through increased bdnf?
Prioritize staircase design and accessibility as a means to promote occupant cognitive health and well-being. Evidence: Buildings (2025).
Why does "Staircase design can boost brain health by up to 40% through increased BDNF." matter for design?
This research highlights how the built environment, specifically the design of staircases, can be leveraged as a tool to promote cognitive health. By understanding the relationship between architectural features and physiological responses, designers can create spaces that actively contribute to user well-being.
How can designers apply this research?
Prioritize staircase design and accessibility as a means to promote occupant cognitive health and well-being.
What were the main findings?
Stair use generally has higher METs than other indoor activities.. Architectural parameters like riser height and floor number predictably modulate exercise intensity during stair use.. High-intensity interval stair climbing (6 minutes) is predicted to increase serum BDNF by up to 40%.. Vertical architecture can serve as accessible infrastructure for boosting BDNF, neurogenesis, and brain health.
What research method was used?
Scenario-based modelling.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2025 journal from Buildings.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When designing or renovating buildings, consider the impact of staircase dimensions, location, and accessibility on encouraging physical activity and its subsequent cognitive benefits.
What are the limitations?
The study relies on modelling and estimations based on existing BDNF response data to exercise intensity, rather than direct measurement of BDNF levels in users of specific staircases.