| Name | Cabine C95 |
| Date | 1995 |
| Manufacturer | PTT / France Telecom |
Development of the C95
| The Booth C95 was a further refinement of the modern French public telephone kiosk, developed from the earlier C81 model as France Télécom continued to modernise and rationalise its public telephony infrastructure during the late twentieth century. While preserving the clean square geometry and extensive glazing of the C81, the C95 introduced several practical improvements intended to simplify maintenance, improve hygiene, and increase suitability for busy urban environments. The result was a kiosk that combined robust engineering with the understated elegance characteristic of French civic design. One of the most significant changes in the C95 was the removal of the solid floor. Instead, the glass walls were elevated slightly above ground level, leaving a narrow gap beneath the panels. This open-base arrangement allowed rainwater, dirt, and debris to pass through the structure rather than accumulate inside. The modification greatly simplified cleaning and improved ventilation while reducing corrosion and long-term maintenance problems. These changes reflected France Télécom’s growing emphasis on operational efficiency and lifecycle durability in heavily used public installations. Like its predecessor, the C95 was constructed using thick 8 mm Sécurit safety glass supported by a strong metal framework. The extensive glazing created a transparent and visually lightweight appearance despite the booth’s considerable mass. The single version weighed approximately 210 kilograms, while the double and quadruple versions weighed 400 kg and 700 kg respectively. These larger multi-user arrangements were commonly installed in railway stations, shopping centres, airports, and major public squares where several simultaneous calls were required. The booth retained the double-leaf door arrangement of the C81, improving accessibility and circulation while reinforcing the symmetry of the design. France Télécom produced several configurations, including double booths with opposing or front-facing doors depending on site requirements and pedestrian movement patterns. Although highly functional and simplified in form, the C95 remained a sophisticated piece of urban furniture. Its restrained geometry, transparency, and carefully engineered detailing reflected the broader French tradition of integrating public utility infrastructure harmoniously into the architectural character of the city. |
| For more images see the excellent page- https://www.publiphonie.fr/page-562f584bb7200.html |
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