Chrysler Building
Built during the Art Deco Period, just before the New York Stock Exchange plummeted and sent the economy into the Great Depression.
Its construction came at a time when several architects completing projects in New York City fiercely competed against each other for the prestigious title of tallest building in the world.
The Chrysler Building, in particular, symbolizes the feud as two ex-business-partners raced to have their buildings reach the clouds. (Van Alen and H. Craig Severance) In fact, the famous spire that is the crowning jewel of the building was a “secret” that Van Alen kept to ensure the Chrysler building held the coveted title of tallest in the world (though the Empire State Building stole the title just a year later)
Eerily enough, experts note that the largest, most extravagant buildings tend to be erected just before periods of collapse and conflict. As it opened its doors in 1930, its elaborate nature marked the glittering exterior of the roaring 20s culture.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building might just be as famous for its striking exterior as it is for its beautiful interior. A very detailed mural was painted on the ceiling in the lobby of a “celestial sky” which was the original state of the building and was restored in the early 200s back to its glory, after it had been covered.
Held the title of tallest building in the world from 1931-1971
What many may not know about the architects behind the iconic building’s design, is that the two were good friends and partners, and one of them, Al Smith, was a former presidential candidate in the 1928 election.
The Empire State Building recently moved toward a greener future as it installed new energy systems that have proven to be more eco-friendly while also reducing the building’s energy usage.
Was also built during the art deco period at the end of the 1920s and into the 1930s
Brooklyn Bridge
The Bridge was built by the architect John Augustus Roebling, who had developed his own original way to weave bridge cables that was unique to his designs.
Was a Prussian immigrant, living the American dream and reflecting the immense cultural diversity present in NYC even in the 1800s
Created a patent for the wire cables used to create the bridge
It was a family effort to complete the bridge as Roebling died shortly after the construction began, his son soon took his place, and after suffering from decompression disease, his wife, Emily, became an integral part of the process as she transported messages to workers and oversaw their work.
Became a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
Became a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1972.
The Metropolitan Museum of of Art (The Met)
Started as in idea in France when some Americans decided they wanted to bring the same refinement to the States.
The original structure was built by architects Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould (Gothic Revival Style) and is now comprised of 21 buildings, united by glass ceilings that tie everything together.
Several additions have been made and new wings have been added to highlight certain cultures and their artistic styles, or for prominent art periods.
The Flatiron
Interestingly enough, the Flatiron building was actually one of the city’s first skyscrapers.
Beaux-Arts design
It faced numerous critiques for its triangular design from experts and skepticism from citizens who doubted its structural soundness (however, it has a “steel skeleton” is is in fact, safe).
The reason behind it’s groundbreaking triangular shape wasn’t as complex as one might believe, it was simply designed to maximize the land (which was triangular shaped).
It was designed by a popular Chicago Native, Daniel Burnham.
Grand Central Station
Although it is treasured today, this iconic building was once in danger of becoming demolished, just as it’s sister station (Penn) was (there was even talk about creating a tower addition, but the idea was rejected)
Underwent serious restoring processes in after, it was ruled by the Supreme Court to preserve the building, and restore it to its original glory
The station had its grand opening, even when construction wasn’t fully completed
Largest train station in the world
It was a collaboration between two firms Reed & Stem (overall design) and Warren & Wetmore (exterior design)
Fun fact: the mural on the ceiling is backwards - sparking a fun debate about the intentions behind the beautiful art, the ceiling was unveiled decades after the original opening day of the building
The original structure was commissioned by the Vanderbilts, but knocked down and rebuilt by the New York Railroad (for safety purposes)
The Statue of Liberty
Built by the French architect Frederic Auguste Bartholdi on the idea of friendship between his homeland and the US, the idea of Lady Liberty was born (taking inspiration from Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom)
France builds the statue, the US builds the pedestal
The projects were almost cut short several times, by a lack of money and had to rely on fundraising and donations to complete the costly project
At one point, the statue had a coppery finished, as it’s exterior was crafted using thin copper sheets, but has eroded overtime into the iconic green-tinged exterior we know today
Seven spikes on the crown = seven continents and seven oceans
Is a universal symbol of freedom and hope for people everywhere
Though the Statue is a sight to see in of itself, the unassuming pedestal that it sits on, is actually a museum dedicated to its extensive history
The same french engineer who built the Eiffel tower collaborated with Bartholdi on the massive project
McKenna Mirador
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