SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 21 AZ-Saint-Gobain-TKTS
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The new TKTS ticket booth on
Father Duffy Square in New York City has finally opened its portholes after
several years of design and construction. The new booth -- a striking glass
structure in the heart of New York's theatre district -- was officially
declared open by New York City Mayor Bloomberg at a gathering of celebrities
and city officials on October 16th.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081121/NEF061 )
Huge pieces of ultra-clear Saint-Gobain Diamant Glass envelope and protect
the futuristic white ticket pod. The glass steps above it are claret red in
the shadow of the surrounding buildings but turn brighter as the midday sun
reflects off the colored interlayer. At night, when the booth's
light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are switched on, the whole structure glows like a
magical ruby -- the pulsing heart of the theater district. Transformed from
its temporary scaffold and sheeting appearance into a gleaming all-glass
sculpture by Perkins Eastman architects, the booth is rapidly becoming a
landmark for locals and visitors alike.
The booth is already attracting throngs of weary walkers -- happy to make
the short climb up the 27 glass steps to absorb a unique view of New York.
The amphitheater will be able to accommodate more than one thousand visitors
as they wait for tickets, eat their lunch or just sit and watch the hustle and
bustle of the Times Square district. It will also likely serve as a space for
many photo shoots, weddings and even (more) film sets. (Don't forget -- the
glass has already been "destroyed" once in the hit movie I Am Legend.)
The steps comprise three-layers of Saint-Gobain Diamant ultra-clear glass,
laminated with a red interlayer and surface treated for slip-resistance. The
one-and-a-half inch steps are designed for maximum durability.
The ultra-clear walls structurally support the steps, serving as a
balustrade and protecting the administration pod inside.
All of the glass panels were developed and manufactured at Saint-Gobain's
Eckelt Glas factory in Austria.
Headquartered in Paris, Saint-Gobain has more than 210,000 employees
throughout the world, including 25,000 in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to
its leadership in glass for architectural products, the company is the world's
largest supplier of building materials and is a major manufacturer of
high-performance materials and glass containers.
Saint-Gobain reported global sales of approximately $59 billion in 2007.
Sales in North America were $7.9 billion.
Contact: Roger Watson, Saint-Gobain Exprover North America, 480-607-9400,
Roger.watson@saint-gobain.com
For more information:
North American activities, visit http://www.saint-gobain.com/us
Saint-Gobain-Glass, visit http://www.saint-gobain-glass.com
Eckelt Glas, visit http://www.eckelt.at
SOURCE Saint-Gobain
