The problem in preparing the building for public occupation was that the artist had removed the walls surrounding the
fire stair above the fourth floor, which opened up the inside but was a violation of fire codes.
The areas of refuge are large landings within a
fire stair. They are equipped with an evacuation chair to aid a wheelchair user down the stairs to safety.
In general, the west side of the building is lined by services such as a
fire stair, lift and stairs.
To the rear of the auditorium is an obliquely positioned exit ramp embellished with a translucent fibreglass screen that casts a green veil over the exuberantly tectonic
fire stair. Through this witty combination of sculptural and superscale elements, an essentially mundane programme has been imaginatively transformed into a sequence of material and spatial delights.
Other features of the rehab included installation of new lighting, security, and fire protection systems; two
fire stair towers; and a 2-car elevator shaft.
An existing
fire stair shaft off the right front lobby seemed a likely choice.
This office tower also features a 12-inch-thick concrete shear wall that completely encases the
fire stair above the building's mezzanine floor.
The lateral force resisting system efficiently incorporated the 12" flatplate with a 16" thick concrete shear wall which completely encases the
fire stair from the ground floor.