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Origami Handrail

Project Type

Architectural Detail, Hospitality

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Starting with a folded piece of paper, we created a simple and generative design system that can adjust to the various stair, ramp, handrail, and guard rail conditions by altering a folded steel plate. The result is a post and armatures that bend and twist to form a unique continuous sculptural profile. Design variations can include adaptations for a standalone guardrail or handrail, or guardrail, and handrail combos. The design allows for flexible profiles flexible profiles that can be used at horizontal, ramp, and stair conditions to bend and turn the top attachment flange to support the required top rail slope. We integrated top and bottom flanges into the post profile for mechanical attachments. The design’s unique artistic characteristics are achieved by welding individual steel bars to form the bending and twisting contour, giving a single continuous form.