Optik Boss for Twitter’s Global Headquarters

Twitter enables anyone, from anywhere, to share with the world a micro story called a tweet. With only 140 characters available per tweet, every detail matters. Bespoke-designed, Twitter’s global headquarters in downtown San Francisco tells a story, as well. Rightfully, every detail — down to the world-class railing system — contributes to it.

In 2012, Twitter selected the Art-Deco style Market Square Complex for their headquarters. The story begins with the social media giant bringing a 21^st century renovation to the sand-hued city landmark.

The new space provides ample room for the creative company to unfurl their personality. Yoga studios interspersed with conference rooms. Arcades alongside collaboration space. The Iconic Twitter bird emblazoned on original 1937 stonework. Work meets play. New meets old. The Twitter headquarters tells the story of the innovative company and the people who comprise it.

The Commons, part cafeteria — part meeting space, serves as a main hub in the Twitter headquarters. Throughout the day, the Commons allows employees to refuel with a variety of cuisine or breakout into an on-the-spot collaboration.

Architects at Lundberg Design and IA Interior Architects saw the Commons’ wrap-around staircase and balcony. Immediately they recognized the need for a world-class railing system to match. They brought in HDI.

The railing system needed to be durable to protect the 800 Twitter employees who would congregate daily in the Commons. Yet, the railing system also needed to make an aesthetic statement about the synergy of old and new, written carefully throughout the building’s design.

HDI collaborated with Twitter and the two architecture firms to select the minimalist Optik Boss railing system.

The stainless steel Boss hardware fastens the transparent infill to the wrap-around balcony and stairway. The balcony overlooks the expansive Commons on several sides—without distraction.

The Optik Boss creates a striking, futuristic aesthetic. The invisible strength suggests technology not yet invented. The unique glass infill evokes a visual close to science-fiction. Stylistically, the Optik Boss proves to be a modern exclamation point in this story of old meeting new.

However, incorporating the contemporary system into a structure built before World War Two presented a few construction challenges. Furthermore, the timeline for the headquarters was tight.

To meet the deadline, HDI did what they always do. They worked diligently and communicated with their partners on the project.

The Optik Boss was completed and installed on time. The architects and the social media giant agreed; the railing system looked and performed phenomenally.

The Twitter headquarters made headlines, in a variety of different publications. Architectural journals discussed the unique style and business magazines underscored the city’s growth. The story was told throughout the world. HDI feels proud to have added their voice.

Contact us to discuss bringing the style and strength of an HDI railing system to your construction project.