Monday, February 23, 2009

#5: Steel Staircase

I like the look of old metal on a building - which is, to say, I like buildings with black metal outcroppings and not the contemporary brush look. Staircases made of this cast iron is made to get worn with age, much like how a copper roof is more appropriated after years of oxidation.

As a component I'm aware that cast iron is not as safe for the interior construction of a building: it has very little 'give' and becomes weak when exposed to hot heat. Still, many of the the lofts being created from older factories will consist of large support beams made out of cast iron and seem to be a big proponent in the style of these lofts.

Exterior fire escapes act as perfect design. They are both a life saving device and interesting to look at.

Currently this is a portion of a massive factory site - all of it in disuse - fenced off by the City. I would very much like to get access and make visual records of what is left.

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