The Feature Stair at Louis Vuitton in Crystals at CityCenter

In December 2009, Louis Vuitton opened their largest North American store in the retail component of the CityCenter development in Las Vegas. The three retail floors of the flagship store are interconnected with an elegant feature staircase clad in polished stainless steel, glass, and exotic hardwood. The steel structure is comprised of stepped stringers with folded plate to form the treads and risers. The staircases finishes are closely fitted to three sides of each stringer∖. The slender profile of the staircase was achieved by minimizing the depth of the stringer to 8 in even though the mi-landing is cantilevered 20' from the supporting landings. Extensive structural and vibration analyses and precise detailing of the integral glass guard ensure the performance of this monumental staircase. This paper presents a review of the analysis, design, and detailing of this feature stair steel structure and integral glass guard.