Apple Headquarters Stair Handrail Detail

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Author Message Brian Payne, AIA Senior Member Username: brian_payne Post Number: 96 Registered: 01-2014 Posted on Friday, September 15, 2017 - 08:23 am:    Besides suggesting something that could be described as slander, does anyone have a guess on how this meets code? https://www.recode.net/2017/9/13/16299086/apple-park-steve-jobs-theater-iphone-event-photos Guest (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Friday, September 15, 2017 - 11:17 am:    If they address graspability, and assuming dimensions are ok, I don't really see an issue with it. But I'm not an expert on the California codes. Nathan Woods, CSI, CCCA, LEED AP Senior Member Username: nwoods Post Number: 718 Registered: 08-2005 Posted on Friday, September 15, 2017 - 11:33 am:    It's totally fine. 11B-505.6 Gripping surface. Handrail gripping surfaces shall be continuous along their length and shall not be obstructed along their tops or sides. The bottoms of handrail gripping surfaces shall not be obstructed for more than 20 percent of their length. Where provided, horizontal projections shall occur 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) minimum below the bottom of the handrail gripping surface 11B-505.7.2 Non-circular cross sections. Handrail gripping surfaces with a non-circular cross section shall have a perimeter dimension of 4 inches (102 mm) minimum and 6 1/4 inches (159 mm) maximum, and a cross-section dimension of 2 1/4 inches (57 mm) maximum. Nathan Woods, CSI, CCCA, LEED AP Senior Member Username: nwoods Post Number: 719 Registered: 08-2005 Posted on Friday, September 15, 2017 - 11:35 am:    Actually, the description in the photo caption about being somewhat rough is NOT okay. I didn't read that part earlier when I first posts. 11B-505.8 Surfaces. Handrail gripping surfaces and any surfaces adjacent to them shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements and shall have rounded edges Brian Payne, AIA Senior Member Username: brian_payne Post Number: 97 Registered: 01-2014 Posted on Friday, September 15, 2017 - 11:41 am:    It's the 6 1/4 inch maximum dimension that makes me think this fails. And the bottom is interrupted by longer than 20% Nathan Woods, CSI, CCCA, LEED AP Senior Member Username: nwoods Post Number: 720 Registered: 08-2005 Posted on Friday, September 15, 2017 - 11:42 am:    Looks closer to 4" thick to me. Steps are 7" max Brian Payne, AIA Senior Member Username: brian_payne Post Number: 98 Registered: 01-2014 Posted on Friday, September 15, 2017 - 11:45 am:    The 6.25" inch is the maximum perimeter for a non circular handrail, which can only be interrupted 20% of the time. This handrails bottom surface is interupted 100% of the time and there is no way to measure the perimeter. ken hercenberg Senior Member Username: khercenberg Post Number: 1101 Registered: 12-2006 Posted on Friday, September 15, 2017 - 11:46 am:    Does it matter if the stairs are not considered means of egress? I don't know if that applies here or not. Brian Payne, AIA Senior Member Username: brian_payne Post Number: 99 Registered: 01-2014 Posted on Friday, September 15, 2017 - 12:03 pm:    Ken. I think you are right. The handrail doesn't appear to meet ADA code, but if the code only applies to egress stairs than it might be ok, assuming the grand stair isn't apart of the egress system. That said, I take issue with designing a monumental stair in the middle of grand space that is obviously meant to be experienced by all occupants, but then forcing people with accessibility issues to use the back stair that complies. Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: michael_chusid Post Number: 323 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Friday, September 15, 2017 - 01:26 pm:    There may be a recess on the hidden side of the "handrail" that allows secure grasping. I used to do something like this with handrails made from 2x lumber (or the hardwood equivalent. The nice thing about Apple products is you can usually use them without understanding code. ;-) Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS www.chusid.com www.buildingproduct.guru 818-219-4937 Paul Sweet (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Friday, September 15, 2017 - 12:48 pm:    These are as graspable as the old vertical 2x6 rails that were popular in the 70s & 80s. Brian Payne, AIA Senior Member Username: brian_payne Post Number: 100 Registered: 01-2014 Posted on Friday, September 15, 2017 - 01:56 pm:    Maybe, but the ADA requirements for non-circular handrails doesn't appear to care how graspable it is. If it has a perimeter greater than 6 1/4", it fails. David G. Axt, CCS, CSI ,SCIP Senior Member Username: david_axt Post Number: 1611 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Friday, September 15, 2017 - 03:13 pm:    David G. Axt, CCS, CSI, SCIP Specifications Consultant Axt Consulting LLC Brian Payne, AIA Senior Member Username: brian_payne Post Number: 101 Registered: 01-2014 Posted on Friday, September 15, 2017 - 03:46 pm:    Interesting, David where is that from? I cant find it in the 2010 ADA standard. Robert E. Woodburn, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA Senior Member Username: bob_woodburn Post Number: 194 Registered: 11-2010 Posted on Sunday, September 17, 2017 - 11:31 am:    There's a similar stair rail, carved into and integral with the white marble wall, in the Supreme Court building in Washington DC -- a magnificent tour de force in marble (built during the great depression, under budget and I believe under the contract time, which may be even more impressive...) David G. Axt, CCS, CSI ,SCIP Senior Member Username: david_axt Post Number: 1613 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 - 02:46 pm:    Brian, This is where I got the information. https://www.buyrailings.com/content/accessibilityguidelines David G. Axt, CCS, CSI, SCIP Specifications Consultant Axt Consulting LLC David G. Axt, CCS, CSI ,SCIP Senior Member Username: david_axt Post Number: 1614 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 - 02:53 pm:    It appears the handrail information I posted previously is out of date. Here is the new simplified handrail information from 2010 ADA Standards 505.7.2 Non-Circular Cross Sections. David G. Axt, CCS, CSI, SCIP Specifications Consultant Axt Consulting LLC John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP Senior Member Username: bunzick Post Number: 1725 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 - 04:06 pm:    I wonder whether the diameter/gripability in regards to the code is the most critical question. If the average user does not perceive that this is a handrail (as opposed to just a cool design), will they think to use it? That could reduce it's effectiveness in terms of safety. Also, after the recess is wiped down a thousand times with less-than-clean rags by maintenance, it will definitely not look so nice. James Sandoz, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA Senior Member Username: jsandoz Post Number: 220 Registered: 06-2005 Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 - 08:37 am:    Peoples' hands have oils on them. Those will be left on the "handrail" and will stain and attract dust. If this is marble it will not look so nice in the future. Surely Apple employees and visitors will not use the trough behind the handrail to dispose of gum wrappers, etc.