Thornton Tomasetti to install rooftop public art exhibit in New York City

NEW YORK – Thornton Tomasetti, the international engineering firm with practices in building structure, building skin and building performance, was selected to oversee the installation of the landmark public art exhibition entitled “Event Horizon” in New York City. Acclaimed British artist Antony Gormley created 31 life-size body forms of himself cast in iron and fiberglass that inhabit the pathways and sidewalks of historic Madison Square Park, as well as the rooftops of many iconic buildings in New York’s Flatiron District. Event Horizon is presented by the Madison Square Park Conservancy in partnership with the City of New York.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this extraordinary exhibit marking Mr. Gormley’s first public art debut in the U.S.,” said Aine Brazil, managing principal of Thornton Tomasetti and member of the Board of Directors of Madison Square Park Conservancy. “Our engineers have worked diligently with The New York City Department of Buildings and city officials to ensure every sculpture has been installed properly and safely, and inspected to meet city codes.”

Antony Gormley originally created Event Horizon for London’s Hayward Gallery as part of the Blind Light exhibition in 2007. The sculptures were installed on bridges, rooftops and streets along the South Bank of London’s Thames River. Antony Gormley has adapted this remarkable project for Manhattan’s spectacular skyline. Four of Gormley’s figures cast in iron will be placed at ground level adjacent to Madison Square Park. Locations include: Flatiron Triangle, Madison Square Park, 26th and Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue and 24th.

The sculptures can also be seen on rooftops of architectural landmarks in close proximity to Madison Square Park, including the Empire State Building, Flatiron Building and The New York Life Building. Additional locations at elevated heights include: 1 Madison Avenue, 5 Madison Avenue (Clock Tower), 11 Madison Avenue, 41 Madison Avenue, 60 Madison Avenue, 15 East 26th Street, 1123 Broadway, 1133 Broadway, 225 Fifth Avenue, 200 Fifth Avenue, 204 Fifth Avenue, 304 Park Avenue South, 230 Fifth Avenue, 162 Fifth Avenue, 184 Fifth Avenue, 244 Fifth Avenue, 220 East 23rd Street, 928 Broadway, 921 Broadway, 853 Broadway (Union Sq), 245 Fifth Avenue, 11 East 29th Street.

The exhibition will be on view until August 15, 2010. A large portion of the installation process was donated pro-bono by Thornton Tomasetti.

Photo courtesy of Antony Gormley, EVENT HORIZON, 2007