There are many valid reasons for students to climb the stairs in the high rises: It's often quicker if they live on the first three floors; enough trips up could replace 10 minutes on the Stair Stepper; it's proper etiquette so those living on the 24th floor can get home a minute or two faster.
Notice, however, that the aesthetics of the stairwell is not a factor.
The Undergraduate Assembly's recent passage of a proposal to paint the first five floors' stairwells in each high-rise building is baffling, to say the least. Touted as a beautification effort, it's believed that more students will use the stairs if there are murals on the walls.
The chance of students actively deciding to use the stairwell because it is prettier is doubtful, however. Students don't choose to live in the high rises because of their aesthetics - after all, who truly likes linoleum floors and citrus-colored walls?
But the utilitarian decor of the apartments is offset by a number of benefits, including cost, safety, apartment-style campus housing and the amenities that staying on campus offers, like proximity to classes and work. For these reasons, a number of students are left out of the high rises during the housing lottery every spring semester.
Similarly, students need a larger motivation than the relative prettiness of the stairwells to climb them. Until that is provided, the students who climb the stairs already will be the only ones who see the murals. The idea is well intentioned and a good way to involve students in campus beautification, but their efforts and the UA's money will be wasted in the cement stairwells.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.