Optik™ Shoe Enhances Wilmington University Law School
Request a QuoteAdvancing Legal Education With a Modern, Light-Filled Design
Wilmington University’s new College of Law brings a contemporary, academic presence to the Beaver Valley campus. Designed by Bernardon, the building emphasizes transparency, clean lines, and open circulation across multiple levels. HDI partnered with EDiS Company to engineer and install railing systems that reinforce this vision while meeting the demands of a next-generation learning environment.
Railing System: Optik™ Shoe
Location: Wilmington, DE.
Architect: Bernardon
Contractor: EDiS Company
To achieve that, HDI delivered a coordinated package of Optik™ Shoe, CIRCUM™ Round, and 1-Line cane rail systems—each supporting clarity, safety, and code compliance throughout the facility.
Optik™ Shoe: Clean Sightlines Across the Atrium
The Optik™ Shoe system forms the visual backbone of the atrium and upper walkways. Its post-free profile maintains clear views and allows daylight to move naturally between floors.
HDI supplied surface-mounted channels engineered specifically for steel substrates. This approach ensured consistent alignment across stairs, landings, and second-floor edges.
The guardrails use 9/16″ laminated clear tempered glass with an SGP interlayer, including curved panels where the architecture required them. Together, the straight and bent glass reinforce the building’s rhythm while maintaining strength and visual continuity.
CIRCUM™ Round & Cane Rail: Guidance and Code Support
To support safe circulation, HDI installed CIRCUM™ Round 1-Line cane rail along key stair paths. This rail offers essential guidance without adding visual weight.
Finished in 240-grain brushed stainless steel, the handrail integrates smoothly with the Optik™ Shoe system and the law school’s material palette.
Because the building includes complex pathways and varying edge conditions, these secondary rails help maintain accessibility and consistent code performance across the entire project.
3D Scanning for Precision and Efficiency
The atrium geometry and bent-glass on the feature spiral monumental staircase required an exceptional level of precision. HDI used 3D scanning to capture exact field conditions before fabrication. As a result, we aligned the steel structure, shoe channels, and glass tolerances with minimal on-site adjustment.
This approach reduces coordination risk and keeps construction moving. Our 3D scanning service helps project teams get it right the first time—avoiding costly delays, preventing field conflicts, and protecting schedules.
A Seamless Fit for a New Legal Campus
With its combination of Optik™ Shoe and CIRCUM™ Round systems, the completed railing package strengthens Wilmington University’s modern academic environment. Students and faculty move through bright, open spaces protected by railings engineered for clarity and safety.
This project highlights HDI’s collaborative approach—working with architects, contractors, and institutions to deliver railing systems that perform beautifully in design-forward educational settings.
Why Choose HDI?
HDI delivers railing systems that perform beautifully, install cleanly, and stand the test of time. Precision, durability, and design—built into every project.