Stewart, D. (2018, April 2). Good news, Superman: The phone booth is making a comeback. New York Times. Retrieved from startribune.com/good-news-superman-the-phone-booth-is-making-a-comeback/478420203

Good news, Superman: The phone booth is making a comeback | Offices are installing small spaces for workers to make private calls.

One of the last remaining phone booths in New York, at the corner of 100th Street and West End Avenue.

For much of the 20th century, the phone booth was a steadfast and essential installation of modern life, from bustling cities to tumbleweed-strewn desert gas stations. Tippi Hedren was attacked in one in “The Birds,” Clark Kent changed into Superman in one and Bill and Ted used one to time-travel on their excellent adventure. In “The Matrix,” a phone booth was an exit portal from the digital realm.

But since then, to lay eyes upon a phone booth has been to glimpse a relic of a seemingly ancient civilization. The proliferation of mobile phones made a stationary one that you had to pay to use superfluous.

Until now, when, ironically, cellphones are leading to a revival of the booths. Or, at least, a version thereof that provides privacy for your conversations and peace and quiet for everyone else.

With the proliferation of mobile phones came the irritating, distracting sound of a one-sided conversation from your cubicle mate.

Each tiny space is equipped with a power outlet, shallow shelf, stool and a quaint, nonfunctional — but highly Instagrammable — retro telephone.

Companies that have recently added private calling booths include Volkswagen, Google, Lyft, Meetup and Capital One.”