Thornton Tomasetti oversees installation of rooftop sculptures

Thornton Tomasetti was selected to oversee the installation of the landmark public art exhibition entitled "Event Horizon." British artist Antony Gormley created 31 life-size body forms of himself cast in iron and fiberglass that inhabit the pathways and sidewalks of Madison Sq. Park, as well as the rooftops of many buildings in the Flatiron District. Event Horizon is presented by the Madison Sq.Park Conservancy in partnership with the city. "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 Sq. Park Conservancy. "Our engineers have worked diligently with The N.Y.C. Department of Buildings and city officials to ensure every sculpture has been installed properly and safely, and inspected to meet city codes." 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. Gormley has adapted this project for the city's skyline. Four of Gormley's figures cast in iron will be placed at ground level adjacent to Madison Sq. Park. Locations include: Flatiron Triangle, Madison Sq. Park, 26th and Fifth Ave. and Madison Ave.and 24th. The sculptures can also be seen on rooftops of architectural landmarks in close proximity to Madison Sq. Park, including the Empire State Building, Flatiron Building and The New York Life Building. Additional locations at elevated heights include: 1 Madison Ave., 5 Madison Ave. (Clock Tower), 11 Madison Ave., 41 Madison Ave., 60 Madison Avenue, 15 East 26th St., 1123 Broadway, 1133 Broadway, 225 Fifth Ave., 200 Fifth Ave., 204 Fifth Ave., 304 Park Ave. South, 230 Fifth Ave., 162 Fifth Ave., 184 Fifth Ave., 244 Fifth Ave., 220 East 23rd St., 928 Broadway, 921 Broadway, 853 Broadway (Union Sq.), 245 Fifth Ave., 11 East 29th St. The exhibition will be on view until August 15. A large portion of the installation process was donated probono by Thornton Tomasetti.