Space for Observation

While researching stairs and their use as a "meeting place" I have discovered that public stairs are often used as a place to observe, both other human interaction as well as all surroundings, therefore it is important that the stairs be designed in such a way and at a height that increases the amount of the world around that can be seen. In regards to the boatshed and the potential of creating a space for observation it may be necessary to build the staircase on the highest point of the shed, the roof, this way what can be seen by the viewer is greater than at any other height within the boatshed. While visiting the boat sheds today I took photographs and panoramas of what can directly be seen at four different heights:

Taken while standing directly in front of Shed 13

Taken while standing in the stairwell.

View is obstructed immensely by the walls either side.

Taken while standing at the top of the staircase. 

While standing (almost) on top of the roof.

While placing these images one after the other I have realised that not one location has a what could be considered the "best' view and instead there are a few of them that if were to be combined would create the best possible viewpoint, which led me to my next idea;

turning the roof of the boat sheds into a large staircase/grand stand. 

With this adaptation I believe that the boatshed would become a great "meeting" place, and "observation deck". From the lowest stair the footpath, jetty's, tide, ocean and passers-by below would all be visible but as one sits higher up the view would change and one would choose their height regarding the view they desire.