Single-stair buildings, a common layout outside North America, feature units arranged around a central stairwell (and usually an elevator), creating a slim footprint perfect for small infill lots. This design, prevalent in European cities, contributes to the varied charm, vitality, and walkability of their urban streetscapes. 

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Despite their benefits, single-stair buildings are rare in North America due to building code limitations. Taller buildings require two stairwells linked by an interior corridor. However, modern fire safety advancements have made these requirements less critical, turning them into obstacles for housing supply and urban vitality. The double-egress rule, once crucial for fire safety, now inflates building footprints, restricts layout possibilities, and reduces usable square footage. As a result, many small infill lots remain vacant.

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Architects and housing policy experts have recognized the potential of single-stair buildings, sparking a movement for "single-stair reform" in North America. Legislative efforts are underway RIGHT NOW in Maryland and Baltimore City to legalize single-stair buildings up to six stories. 

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Participants must design a mid-rise single-stair residential building on a small infill lot in Baltimore City. The competition brief contains four site options, but participants are open to use alternative sites within Baltimore City as well. The proposed building must follow applicable Baltimore zoning and building codes, with the exception of Baltimore's height restriction on single-stair buildings. See the brief for full details and program.