Specialty Glass From Saint-Gobain Adds Sparkle to NYC's TKTS Booth on Father Duffy Square

(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 ofNew 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 inAustria.

Headquartered inParis, Saint-Gobain has more than 210,000 employees throughout the world, including 25,000 in the U.S. andCanada. 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 inNorth 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

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