This discussion reminded me of a home I designed several decades ago that had it's many levels connected by central winding stair with an open center. In light hearted whimsey I suggested we include a 'fire pole' - an idea my clients loved.
Hmmm ... before the house was finished, I consider the range of future possibilities ... parties and ? ... and did add a sign at each landing: "Not for Exit Use".
I don't think today, given our litigious environment, that I would indulge this particular sort of whimsey!
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Michael Malinowski FAIA
Sacramento CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-07-2017 17:43
From: Jonathan Matson
Subject: Stair handrail
In an emergency, occupants cannot be expected to determine which stair is the exit stair. The decorative stair is probably in the more prominent or obvious stair location. In the over regulated bureaucratic world of California building, I think the only way to get a "decorative" stair approved without handrails would be to have a chain across the stair at the top and bottom landings with a sign stating "warning, this stair is decorative only and is not to be used for exiting."
Jonathan S. Matson, AIA
Matson Architects Inc.
13271 South Street
Cerritos, CA. 90703