Architect: Allied Works Architecture

Location: New York, USA

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) is a creation of Edward Durrel, located at 2 Columbus Circle in New York City. Hosts 500,000 visitors every year on its 4,500 square feet distribution. For creating the perfect flow between the lobby and the entrance of the Museum, an elegant, transparent, almost like floating in the air kind of stair was needed. A piece of art created by Allied Works Architecture where Jakob Rope Systems was part of with our Stainless Steel Architectural Ropes.

The Architect Peter J. Arsenault specified the project as one of the most difficult jobs ever done. “The stair, which extends from the cellar floor to the second-floor gallery ceiling, is suspended on 300 6mm 1×19 stranded wire cables tensioned to approximately 900 pounds. Each of the woven stainless-steel stringers, which list a minimum breaking strength of 22.0 kN, measures ¼ inch in diameter. Spacing is 2½ inches on center to also function as a balustrade.

The stair is assembled into four main sections with two separate landing sections. Four cables penetrated each tread, and each cable is single-span, so the visual vertical alignment is what provides the architectural splendor. To weld each plate to each other and to accurately drill the multitude of holes for the cable spacing, was the tough part. To our surprise the lineup of the holes was better than expected.”
The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) is a creation of Edward Durrel, located at 2 Columbus Circle in New York City. Hosts 500,000 visitors every year on its 4,500 square feet distribution. For creating the perfect flow between the lobby and the entrance of the Museum, an elegant, transparent, almost like floating in the air kind of stair was needed. A piece of art created by Allied Works Architecture where Jakob Rope Systems was part of with our Stainless Steel Architectural Ropes.

The Architect Peter J. Arsenault specified the project as one of the most difficult jobs ever done. “The stair, which extends from the cellar floor to the second-floor gallery ceiling, is suspended on 300 6mm 1×19 stranded wire cables tensioned to approximately 900 pounds. Each of the woven stainless-steel stringers, which list a minimum breaking strength of 22.0 kN, measures ¼ inch in diameter. Spacing is 2½ inches on center to also function as a balustrade.

The stair is assembled into four main sections with two separate landing sections. Four cables penetrated each tread, and each cable is single-span, so the visual vertical alignment is what provides the architectural splendor. To weld each plate to each other and to accurately drill the multitude of holes for the cable spacing, was the tough part. To our surprise the lineup of the holes was better than expected.”

At Jakob, with our wide range of wire ropes, end terminations and accessories, we can offer solutions to almost every architectural challenge. The image shows a special hardware designed by Jakob to meet the requirements and specifications on the project. Whether it’s railing ropes, rope structures, artwork, facade greening – there is a suitable part for every architectural application for steel cables.

Our stainless steel cables are precision manufactured from marine grade stainless steel, which gives them durability and a timeless look. Together with a large variety of end terminations the possible combinations are truly endless.

Wire ropes can absorb tensile forces extremely well, are easy to handle and cost-efficient. They feature in a huge range of architectural applications with steel cables from Jakob Rope Systems being found in projects ranging from cable suspensions and facade greening to balustrade infills. Stainless steel cables require almost no maintenance and keep their look for a long time. This makes them also ideally suited for decorative uses.

The quality of our wire rope products is matched by our service. We offer advice and support during all stages of your project.

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cover image © Jakob Rope Systems