Dow Corning Silicones Allow Blend of Design and Function to Create ...

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Press Release
Dow Corning Corp. Release date: July 7, 2008 Dow Corning Silicones Allow Blend of Design and Function to CreateIconic Cultural Centers Around the World MIDLAND, Mich. (July 7, 2008): Adding to the joy that music andtheater bring to cultural patrons -as well as to the cities inwhich they are located-is a new generation of striking architecturemade possible by silicone glazing technology. "Architects, designers, and builders can now create venues with theelegance, drama, and sophistication that befit their imaginations,"said Mike Blaszkowski, Dow Corning Construction industry marketingmanager. Compared to other types of sealants, the chemical structure ofsilicone gives it superior adhesion and compatibility to a widevariety of building substrates, such as ceramic, glass, plastic andmetal. This allows buildings to incorporate more artisticthree-dimensional glass curtain wall designs without sacrificingthe strength, stability, and longevity of traditional mechanicalfasteners. "Silicone glazing systems are able to flex, extend, and compresswith the daily stress of thermal shear that allows them to maintaintheir strong adhesion, even under the most extreme of environmentalconditions," said Blaszkowski. Examples of aesthetically innovative buildings that have benefitedfrom silicone technology include: Opryland Hotel Convention Center - Nestled in the heartland ofNashville, Tennessee, music echoes through the laminated glasscovering the Delta atrium at the Opryland Resort and ConventionCenter, in which Dow Corning silicone sealants were used in theglazing and weathersealing of the approximately 5,000 panels ofglass that encompasses the 4.5 acre skylight atrium. Currently thehub of activity at Opryland, the Delta is home to several retailstores and restaurants. The large and sophisticated projectrequired effective teamwork between Dow Corning and the contractor,consultant, architect and other material suppliers involved in theproject. Shanghai Oriental Arts Center - China's Shanghai Oriental ArtsCenter features a unique fa