On the surface, it’s a cool concept, even one with some merit: when the stairs are funner than the escalator, people will take them more often. So some clever Swedes (with a serious budget) retrofitted this underground transit stop with a keyboard staircase. You know, like in Big, but stairs. That’s right. You’re beginning to see the problem, aren’t you?
See, it’s all well and good when the keyboard is flat and people want to jump all over it and play songs, but this one is really an invitation for people to fall on their faces. Want to play a chord? Try not to die. There’s also the consideration that when there are more than a few people on the stairs, the result must be the most hideous cacophany. Think about it: someone on every stair? It’d be like someone pounding on every key on a piano, again and again. There’s a reason they don’t have audio for that part.
So, while I’m with them in spirit, there are probably a few bugs they should work out first.
That’s a winner!
Altering expectations.
Adding mirth to the mundane.
Fun can alter behavior for awhile, but once the novelty wears off, you’re just stuck with some huge piano that hobos sleep on.
The Boston Museum of Science has had a musical staircase for a while, though using infrared cameras instead of pressure sensors. I’ve seen people trying to play simple melodies- it gets interesting when there’s a big jump from note to note.
it gets
interestingdangerousfixed that for you :)
Shouldn’t people be responsible for their own actions? It’s not necessarily a problem with the idea of a piano staircase, its more of a problem with human stupidity. Put up a sign of warning and liability, bam, done.
I’d rather get hurt every now and again doing something fun than have life be bland and boring and “safe”.
Viva la sharp corners/edges!
What a cynic.
I like it regardless, but you do have some valid points, ahaha i want one of these.
this is great! is there a Charango version?
marimba? how about maracas?
alright, how about a “death metal” guitar?
i would like one with Yoko Ono singing voices :)
Great idea and initiative!
You should move on to other instruments too, maybe place 3 strips on the stairs, for piano, bass and drums :)
Like the 2006 Sony Piano Stairs at Tokyo Sony Centre.
Is VW having fun at Sony’s costs?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MB0GpiOfew
You can’t think of a better way…? You’re not even trying.
o Make the end of the escalator a trap door to the subway.
o Replace several of the steps 1/3rd from the top with wooden planks, with unsteady springs beneath them.
o Install pressure sensors that set off firecrackers that explode and startle pedestrians to fall backwards. Also fits the Fun Theory!
o Pay homeless people to stand at the top of the stairs to forcibly shove people down them. Also helps the local economy.
People feel more alive when there is some danger in their life.
Honestly, if you’re crazy enough to attempt jumping chords to play your favorite song on a flight of steps, you should be allowed to do it.