Elevating Architecture

Elevecture explains how it provides design solutions using Corning® Gorilla® Glass.

Headquartered in New York City (NYC), Elevecture is utilizing Corning® Gorilla® Glass to provide design solutions for elevator cabs and other interiors. Originally designed to be a cover glass for consumer electronics, Gorilla Glass is used in billions of devices worldwide and is continuing to evolve into new applications. Elevecture is continuing its mission to solve common elevator design problems — such as weight and durability — by laminating thin, lightweight, damage-resistant, clear Gorilla Glass to wood veneers, delicate fabrics, metals and graphics for what Elevecture describes as “a visually appealing, practical solution.”

Elevecture traces its beginnings to National Elevator Cab & Door Corp. (ELEVATOR WORLD, April 2017), founded by Arthur Gabriner, then led by his son-in-law, Harold Friedman and, now, by Harold’s son, Jeffrey. Harold Friedman was among the first to see the possibilities for Gorilla Glass in elevator interiors.

In 2016, Elevecture became its own company led by Harold’s daughter, Lianne Friedman. It now focuses on educating architects, interior designers and developers about how the glass can reshape their buildings. Elevecture panels bring beauty and functionality to new spaces and refurbished old ones.

Elevecture approached Corning several years ago to help solve a customer’s elevator problem, realizing the unique properties of Gorilla Glass make it an ideal material for elevator interiors.  Since that initial meeting, Elevecture has continued to expand its use of Gorilla Glass beyond elevators into building interiors such as lobbies, office fit-outs and residential spaces. Lianne Friedman states:

“I’m amazed at the design freedom we are able to achieve with Gorilla Glass, and am excited about continuing to explore new ways to incorporate it into our products. Gorilla Glass is durable and lightweight, which alleviates concerns that are otherwise typical in elevator remodeling. Not to mention, the clarity of the glass enables the details of the substrate laminated to it to stand out. It’s remarkable.”

Last year, Elevecture played a key role in launching the Innovation Center – a collaborative space that showcases glass surfaces with a variety of finishes and products that can be designed into buildings and furniture, as well as products that can be integrated into rooms, on walls and in elevators. At 740 Broadway in NYC, the Innovation Center is a place for developers, architects and designers to see “how the technologies of tomorrow enable the spaces of today,” Lianne Friedman observes.

Upon entering the Innovation Center lobby, visitors are surrounded by floor-to-ceiling Elevecture panels that feature Gorilla Glass, in addition to a “breathtaking” nature scene brought to life on 42 video monitors. Stepping into the elevator, visitors are welcomed by the smooth, even lighting and clear elevator panels as they make their way to the 10th floor, where the crisp glass walls lead into the Innovation Center. Inside, visitors experience hands-on demonstrations of the latest technology in glass, lighting and wireless building solutions. Lianne Friedman says:

“Owners renovating or building new structures want materials and technologies that will not be obsolete in a few years; working with Corning makes everything come together, from interior architecture to wireless building solutions. We call this helping developers and architects future-proof. For instance, we should no longer lose a cell phone signal when we enter an elevator, and with Corning Optical Communications, we won’t.”

Keith Glovins, commercial director, Corning Glass for Interior Architecture, has been collaborating with Elevecture for seven years. “Elevecture is breathing new life into building spaces, allowing seamless integration of sound, graphics, lighting and media displays,” said Glovins. “In combination with our glass, their panels are completely customizable and highly durable, enabling unique and long-lasting designs.”

Elevecture works with customers across the country to promote their elevator and building solutions and build brand awareness, as well as inform the industry that new, customizable glass solutions exist. As it continues to grow in North America, the company is eager to expand overseas, with Asia being a near-term goal. 

Architects and designers are always looking for new materials and technologies, and as Elevecture gains popularity, the architecture community has begun to discover that the company’s glass solutions enable them to achieve their creative vision without compromise and with greater design freedom, Lianne Friedman says, observing:

“It is both hard and fun to be a disrupter in the architectural market. But, I am excited about what we are doing; we are changing the architectural world. With Gorilla Glass, our products offer a durability factor that has been previously unimaginable. Each market we enter is different, which pushes us to create custom solutions that fit the needs and designs of our customers.

“Elevecture is at the cutting edge of architectural design, earning a reputation as a visionary by revolutionizing elevator and building interiors. Taking once-traditional architectural materials and elevating them to new heights, Elevecture’s products combine high design and durability to meet the modern demands of the architecture industry.”