Escher Was Here...

When I went to pick up my artwork on Saturday, I noticed an interesting architectural feature in the courtyard of the gallery: 

A fire-"escape" leading, well...nowhere, unless you are a reptile or have suction on your hands and feet. Interesting. Is this perhaps the height where the fire brigade's ladders reach and you are supposed to calmly stand there and wait for them? (And I know for a fact that it's not some piece of art. I asked).