Impossible Staircase

The Penrose stairs, also known as the impossible staircase, is a two-dimensional depiction of a staircase in which the stairs make four 90-degree turns as they ascend or descend yet form a continuous loop. Although the staircase is conceptually impossible, it does interfere with your perception since it looks like a person could climb forever and never get any higher.

Watching the video is the easiest way to see how it works. I’ve included a drawing which is linked in the video description.

Step 1: Tools/Materials

Tools:

• Band Saw
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Clamps
• Sander (optional)

Materials:

• Wood 1 x 6 or 1 x 3
• Wood glue

Step 2: Cut First Side

Cut wood as shown in the pictures. I used a table saw for the sections and a band saw for the steps.

Step 3: Cut Second Side

Step 4: Cut Third Side

Step 5: Cut Fourth Side

Step 6: Glue Sides Together

Use a vice or clamps

Step 7: It Should Look Like This When Assembled

Step 8: Highlight Edges

Use a pencil or marker to highlight the step edges. You could also paint the steps as an enhancement.

Step 9:

I used a Canon DSLR camera for the photo and video. It took a few minutes on a tripod to line up the angles. I also had to use manual focus to blend the focus which helps with the illusion.

Step 10: Another Example

If you like this, check out another example

https://www.instructables.com/id/Penrose-triangle-m...

Comments

[ArjunR50]

the dimensions are in?

[mtairymd]

Inches

[Yonatan24]

That's pretty cool! Thanks for sharing, I liked the triangle too!

[mtairymd]

Thank you.

[philip42]

Would you be wiling to make the 3D model which was shown in the video clip available?

[mtairymd]

Sure. Note that the drawing is linked in the video description. It's a very simple model so I'm not sure how much time it would save you. I can email you the inventor and/or STEP files. Let me know if you want them.

[GASHLYCRUMBTINY]

You made me squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I lurve M.C. Escher and this is amazing! =D

-Gashly!

[ninjacheese]

Wow love it I'm so makeing one

[hamsterprod]

Oh, the triangle de Penrose : Great, good job !

[marc1]

Duhh

[metalshiflet]

First saw this in the movie Inception.

[mtairymd]

Correct...here is the movie clip.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uUzBIR-dOwg

[mtairymd]

@metalshiflet

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uUzBIR-dOwg

[stevenvachon]

I remember hearing about people creating similar things (Escher art) in 3D about 15 years ago, but I never got to see the renders. This is perhaps a little more interesting :) Thank you for sharing.

[psardinas]

Well after watching this I have concluded that you sir are a WITCH!

[T-BONE3]

??????

[hunter999]

This looks great! Thanks for sharing and I loved the impossible triangle :-)

[Tarun Upadhyaya]

Loved it :). Thank you for sharing :)

[hotfarts]

This is way cool. Good work!