An icon of the Dallas skyline since the 1970's, Reunion Tower was ready for a makeover. Gensler Architects were tasked with turning an aging landmark into a leading tourist attraction. Included in the renovation was the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck, which now offers dramatic, unobstructed panoramic views of Dallas, along with over 50 ft of interactive displays. Reunion Tower's restaurant, Cloud Nine Cafe, was also renovated and offers an equally dramatic dining experience, with its revolving floor, illuminated bar and sculptural cloud ceiling where plasma screens project visually engaging digital weather patterns.
In an attempt to mimic the view of the city seen from Reunion Tower's observation deck, Gensler's design recreated the Dallas skyline using a decorative glass partition wall. The design incorporated architectural dichroic glass with several other glass application techniques to create a one of a kind installation that functions as both an intriguing art installation and serves as a way to divide the space.
Goldray Glass worked with Gensler's design team to develop the curved decorative glass wall and bring the design idea to life. The real magic is the distinct pattern applied using a ceramic frit coating, which is what creates the skyline image. Ceramic frit is an enamel ink applied to glass, which permanently fuses to the surface at temperatures in excess of 1250°F. When walking alongside the installation, the sleek bend in the glass creates a 3D effect of the downtown image, making it appear to move and change. This multi-dimensional illusion is a result of the ceramic frit design combined with strategically placed layers of mirror, glass and film. The unique iridescent color of the partition wall comes from the reflection of light off of the dichroic glass, which changes depending on the viewing angle. Goldray's architectural dichroic glass is a truly unique and innovative product, manufactured using 3M's premium grade polymeric film.
Once complete, the Reunion Tower dichroic glass partition is a stunning addition to the updated building. In 2015, Glass Magazine bestowed their Most Innovative Decorative Glass Project: Interior award to the Reunion Tower glass.
