SageGlass dynamic glass controls sunlight, creates comfortable environment with unobstructed views of Lake Michigan from new performance venue on Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SageGlass®, manufacturer of the world’s smartest electrochromic glass, has completed an installation of dynamic glass on the south façade of The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare. A global theatrical force, Chicago Shakespeare Theater produces award-winning plays on stages around the world and at home on Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier. The Yard, which opened with its inaugural performance on September 19, is Chicago Shakespeare’s third year-round performance venue. SageGlass dynamic glass will control sunlight and contribute to a more comfortable environment for theatergoers, while preserving views.
Designed by British theater design firm Charcoalblue and Chicago’s Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, The Yard is connected to the existing two theaters by a crescent-shaped lobby. This space will offer guests fantastic southward views of Lake Michigan through a SageGlass façade. SageGlass dynamic glass tints on demand, controlling sunlight in order to prevent glare, fading and overheating. SageGlass contributes to a more comfortable interior environment. The dynamic glass will offer Chicago Shakespeare patrons a more enchanting theater experience, with the promise of unobstructed views of Lake Michigan as they come and go from productions at The Yard.
Photo Credit: James Steinkamp Photography
Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture selected SageGlass for its ability to connect theatergoers to outdoor views without the drawback of heat gain and glare from the sun. When the lobby is unoccupied, the glass can be tinted to protect the space from fading and drive down the cost of keeping it cool.
“Not only did the SageGlass solve the thermal issues, but it also offered the opportunity to create numerous facade expressions, creating a ‘technological veil’ for the lobby that the client can manipulate as required,” architect Gordon Gill said. “The result is a beautiful and diverse experience consistent with the concept for The Yard.”
The theater design features a series of mobile “towers” that allow the space to be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes, with audience capacities ranging from 150 to 850. With this adaptable theatrical platform, artists will be able to shape their work without physical constraints.
“The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare is a state-of-the-art venue designed to delight the theatergoer every step of the way,” said Alan McLenaghan, CEO of SageGlass. “By using our dynamic glass, Chicago Shakespeare takes full advantage of its remarkable site on Navy Pier.”
Photo Credit: James Steinkamp Photography
SageGlass is featured in a range of cultural institutions in addition to The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, including the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts in Philadelphia, the Museum of Science in Boston and The St. Johnsbury Athenaeum in Vermont.
This project was completed in partnership with glazing contractor Northern Glass and general contractor Bulley & Andrews.
About Chicago Shakespeare Theater
A global theatrical force, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare’s genius for storytelling, musicality of language, and empathy for the human condition. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, Chicago Shakespeare has redefined what a great American Shakespeare theater can be, putting forward a company that delights in the unexpected and defies theatrical category. A Regional Tony Award-winning theater, CST produces acclaimed plays at its home on Navy Pier, throughout Chicago’s schools and neighborhoods, and on stages around the world. In 2017, the Theater unveils a radical new stage, The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare. Together with the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater and the Thoma Theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare, The Yard positions CST as the city’s largest and most versatile performing arts venue.
About SageGlass®
The pioneer of the world’s smartest electrochromic glass, SageGlass® is the ultimate connector between the built and natural environments. SageGlass tints on demand to optimize daylight, reduce glare and manage heat – all while maintaining unobstructed views of the outdoors. With SageGlass, architects and building owners can improve occupant comfort and reduce energy demand in buildings. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, SageGlass is backed by more than 350 years of building science expertise. Learn more at www.SageGlass.com or join SageGlass on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Saint-Gobain in North America
Saint-Gobain, the world leader in sustainable environments, has designed and manufactured high-performance building materials that improve the lives of people all over the world. From the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles and the glass pyramid at the Louvre, to The Statue of Liberty and The World Trade Center, and even components that allow the Mars Rover Curiosity to seek out life on another planet, Saint-Gobain has been a part of the fabric of human history, advancement and improvement.
In North America, the company upholds this rich history of innovation by making a material difference in the spaces where people work, live, play, heal and learn. Along with its North American headquarters in Malvern, Pennsylvania, Saint-Gobain has approximately 150 locations in North America and more than 14,000 employees. In the United States and Canada, Saint-Gobain reported sales of approximately $5.8 billion in 2016. Experience our innovation, wonders and advancements by visiting www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com and connect with Saint-Gobain North America on Facebook and Twitter.
