





Client: The Geode
Location: Portland, OR, United States
Completion date: Jan 01, Array
Artwork budget: $110,000
Project Team
Artist
Martin Eichinger
Eichinger Sculpture Studio
Industry Resource
Matt Scheick
MEZR
Industry Resource
Tim Burns
MEZR
Artist
Jason Johnston
Jason Johnston
Artist
Chas Martin
Chas Martin
Artist
Dave Gonzo
Gonzo Metal Sculpture
Overview
Three-story steel spiral stair with spiral steel tube railing and climbing rope in place of traditional balusters.18 Approximately 32' tall by 9.5' wide with nearly 900' of climbing rope. Finish is a bronze patina.
Goals
The Geode is a mixed use office/residence/studio space. Light is a major element of the interior and exterior features of the building. Skylights illuminate interior conference rooms and residential spaces. The spiral stair reflects the owner's love for rock climbing and also helps transmit light from the 3rd floor skylight to the first floor.
Process
The initial design was converted into CAD files by the fabricator. After cutting a precise spiral from 1/2" thick steel pipe, the entire piece was lifted into place. Each stair, fabricated with a CNC router A team of welders meticulously placed each stair support and tread.
Additional Information
The stair was conceived years ago when the building was first acquired. With the recent addition of the two upper floors, technology became a significant component of the process. The concept was converted into templates for stair supports and treads, railing. Precision was essential for treads to align with each floor landing was