tangga

Tangga is a term used in Indonesian and Malay to denote a structure of steps that enables movement between levels. It most commonly refers to a staircase in a building, but can also mean a ladder or the rungs of a ladder in a more compact context. In addition, tangga ada is used in musical terminology as tangga nada, meaning the musical scale or the stepwise progression of pitches, reflecting the metaphor of stepping from one note to another.

In construction, tangga typically consists of elements such as treads (the horizontal surfaces), risers (the vertical gaps), stringers (the supporting backbone), landings, and often handrails or balustrades for safety. Materials vary by context and climate, including wood for traditional or interior stairs, concrete or steel for modern structures, and stone or treated wood for exterior environments. Building codes commonly specify dimensions for tread depth and riser height, as well as requirements for width, headroom, handrail height, and guardrails to ensure safety and accessibility.

Types and configurations include straight stairs, L-shaped stairs with a landing, U-shaped (double-spiral) stairs, spiral or curved stairs, and exterior staircases. Design may emphasize space efficiency, traffic flow, or aesthetic considerations, and traditional architecture may integrate tangga with verandas, courtyards, or multi-level homes. Maintenance involves regular inspection for structural integrity, cleaning, and addressing wear on treads and handrails to preserve safety and longevity.

See also references may include terms for doorway connections, accessibility guidelines, and regional architectural practices where tangga is a prominent feature.