10 Amazing Behind-The-Scenes Secrets From Star Trek: The Next Generation
2. The Transporter Pads Are From The Original Series
Either in a wonderful homage to those who had paved the way for them, or, simply, a clever example of studio "upcycling", there's a piece of the Original Series literally built into The Next Generation. The lights on the ceiling of the Enterprise-D's transporter pad, were actually the lights used in the floor on the Original Series. Effectively flipping the set upside down to mask their similarities.
There isn't a whole lot to the backstory here that you won't have already guessed. Paramount still the bulk of the old props in their storeroom when it came time to build The Next Generation's sets and, wanting to keep costs down wherever possible, the designers decided to co-opt any existing material that didn't look obviously 'dated'.
The pad lights looked great on the ceiling, and it was a nice way to pay tribute to the original Enterprise. A no-bariner, really.