Colorful graphics and inspiring messages can now be seen along the stairwell in Building 31. The Medical Arts Team transformed the C-wing stairwell encouraging us to stay active and take the stairs rather than the elevators.

Immersive, refreshing and vibrant, the stairwell design displays NIH facts, health facts and phrases to increase motivation to take the stairs. The colors and messages span nine floors changing from floor to floor to entice those who take the stairs to see what’s next. The new designs affirm that you can be active and healthy with a little encouragement along the way.

The stairwell design in Building 31 is phase two of the NIH “Take the Stairs” campaign. The Medical Arts Branch in partnership with the Commissioned Corps and Division of Amenities and Transportation Services launched the campaign, being done in phases. In phase one of the campaign, the team focused on transforming the stairwell in Building 10, a high traffic area, through inspirational artwork. In phase two, the National Institute on Aging joined the initiative and helped to enhance the stairwell in Building 31.

The “Take the Stairs” campaign is the NIH response to former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s 2015 “Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities,” with worksites as a key sector for implementation. Dr. Murthy stated, “carving out just 22 minutes a day on average or 2 ½ hours a week for physical activity, like brisk walking can do wonders for your health.”

Even though the benefits of physical activities are well documented and distributed, only one half of adults in the U.S are getting enough exercise. One recommended action included the promotion of taking the stairs instead of elevators, which can help people maintain regular physical activity. Walking is one of the easiest and most common forms of physical activity.

The stairwell designs, which use geometric patterns and shapes to create movement, is based on CDC studies on physical activity. CDC studies show that displaying point of decision motivational signs lead to a significant increase in stairwell usage. These stairwell enhancements increase motivation to take the stairs which improves both human health and the environment. Another benefit of taking stairs is that it reduces elevator energy consumption.

Since its initiation, the stairwell project in Building 10 has won a 2018 HHS Green Champion Award. The NIH also received a visit from the 20th Surgeon General of the United States, Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H., who took a walk down 15 flights of stairs admiring the inspiring artwork, when designs were first installed last summer.