The pivoting staircase in Antioquia’s traditional architecture

At the beginning of the twentieth century a type of particular mobile staircase was introduced in the style of Antioquia’s traditional architecture in the Department of Caldas. What is known as the pivoting staircase is analysed in this research. The given conditions for its arrival and evolution are presented, and its different typologies are studied. Its composition is described by way of graphic representations, and the different technologies are analysed –both formal and functional– that are used in variations. This paper is a testimonial to this ingenious technological element, which should constitute part of the country’s legacy both in terms of material and memory, considering that only very few existing examples remain. The pivoting staircase should also be fully used to solve accessibility problems in contemporary architectures.