Project Description
A three-story staircase, suspended from the ceiling frame at the 154th floor, serves as the organizing element of this high-profile event space atop the tallest building in the world. Ten meter-high stainless rods placed 100 mm apart with pre-tensioned force of 1000 lbs provide stability to the stair system and the isolated granite treads that shift in plan to form the curved geometry of the stair system. The staircase design features spring boxes imbedded in the concrete slab of level 152 to ensure a consistent amount of tension within the rods and to accommodate building movement. The form of the staircase conforms with the spherical triangular geometry inherent in this project. The fountain, set within the curving staircase and bordered by the stainless steel suspension rods, consists of stainless steel sheets with back-lit water jets, referencing the significance of fountains in Arabic culture. Each of the three floors is designed for a specific function: level 152 holds a reception area; a boardroom is located on level 153; and level 154 hosts a sitting room used for small gatherings. A minimal palette of luxurious materials and historic art was used throughout including pearlescent panels, black granite floors, stainless steel and glass.