Journey Through NYC Architecture
Hailie's article explores the history, construction, and significance behind three of New York's most iconic architectural feats.
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A Journey Through New York's Architecture
A Journey Through New York's Architecture
By Hailie Zintzun
By Hailie Zintzun
New York is known for a variety of aspects. Its movie-worthy monuments and museums, its big-city reputation, and its famous New Year’s Times Square celebration have all put this star-studded location on the map. One of the most recognized symbols of New York is the picturesque skyline that teems with the tips of skyscrapers. New York’s architecture is a beautiful, historic reminder of the significance that it holds as the city and state of innovation and dedication to the hustle and bustle of the business world. While there are countless creations of architectural marvels to admire, there are a few that stand apart as some of the most iconic and central to the “Big Apple.”
THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
Naturally, it would be a sin to discuss the architecture of New York without recognizing the one and only Empire State Building. According to the building’s official website, “The world’s most magnificent Art Deco skyscraper, it’s a living piece of New York history and an instantly recognizable symbol of city culture today.” Its skyscraper status stems from the 102 stories the building boasts. At 1,454 feet, it was commonly referred to as the tallest building in the world for about 40 years after its construction had been finished in its entirety. The Empire State Building originally opened in 1931 on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. It became the first building in the world to be built with over 100 floors, with a steel frame that, at the time, was interpreted as a modern innovation. Due to the Empire State ReBuilding initiative, the building was able to be kept in an operating condition mirroring that of its original opening, upholding the skyscraper as a vital piece of history. The glasswork is one example of the amount of detail and thought put into this project. Artisans and historians combined their efforts to do justice to the first iteration of the building; the more than 12,000 feet of glassware, new stonework, and other meticulously designed details that they worked on accomplished this feat to a stunning degree.
Even though the height of the Empire State Building may be what it is best known for, the artistry of its interior, as well as its exterior, is a source of pride and fame in itself. The lobby’s ceiling used gold accents in its mural of an Art Deco-stylized celestial sky until 1960. The Empire State Building's official website states, “In 2007, artists and historians began to recreate this mural in all its original brilliance. Two years, 20,000 working hours, and several thousand square feet of gold and aluminum leaf later, the lobby ceiling once again captivates visitors as it did on the building’s opening day.” The building may now serve as a tourist attraction, but it still holds its roots in corporate business to this day. The Empire State Building hosts many large-name companies and organizations contained within the walls of the commercial and office buildings held inside. The Empire State Building’s influence still has a looming presence in our world today, continuing the legacy that it has established over generations.
carnegie hall
carnegie hall
Carnegie Hall is a musician’s dream destination and is known worldwide for the many renowned names that have graced its hallowed halls. Opening in 1891, the building has housed musicians from the era of Tchaikovsky to the age of The Beatles. Music from all genres has had its turn in the spotlight on Carnegie’s stage, showcasing the most phenomenal performances for each of them as they have been established. The hall was designed by William Burnet Tuthill, who himself was a musician and had never had previous experience building a concert hall. He was hired by Andrew Carnegie for the job after he and his wife Louise, a singer, were confronted on their honeymoon by the conductor Walter Damrosch to request he make a new space for music to be performed in New York City. Seemingly knowing the building’s significance from the beginning, the Carnegie Hall website claims, “When the Hall’s cornerstone was laid in 1891, Andrew Carnegie proclaimed that ‘it is probable that this hall will intertwine itself with the history of our country.’” It may be shocking to realize that at one point in the 1950s, Carnegie Hall was close to being demolished. After a campaign in 1960, it was relabeled as a National Historical Landmark, and with thoughtful renovations, remains a testament to the excellence achieved by musicians from all generations. The exterior is inspired by Renaissance-Revival style brick, while the interior was made using thick concrete and masonry walls. This technique allows for the wonderful acoustic that accompanies the hall. For housing artists and performers, the hall was also built with a fifteen-story tower. The historic preservation of music and its importance in the city of New York is another reason why the architecturally pleasing Carnegie Hall remains a well-known structure in today’s age.
one world trade center
one world trade center
Photo Credit: AECOM
The One World Trade Center has perhaps the most tragic story behind its creation. It was completed in the relatively recent year of 2014, with 104 stories and 1,776 feet, making it the tallest building in the United States. Adding to the symbolism of the building, the height serves as a reference to the year of America’s Declaration of Independence. The design’s purpose was to serve as a reminder of the unbreakable spirit and will of America, being a beacon of hope and the future, as it stands today near the World Trade Center Memorial. It has a crystalline structure that refracts light, creating a unique effect as the sun shifts throughout the day. As Visual House puts it: “The building's facade is clad in a shimmering glass curtain wall, which reflects the ever-changing New York City skyline.”
The One World Trade Center’s engineering is some of the most effective and high-strength to this day. It features concrete shear walls, a steel frame, and an aerodynamic design to provide a fundamental form for rigid structure, made to withstand time and harsh conditions. The design strategies employed also have some beneficial elements by using new technologies, which increases efficiency while eliminating more of its environmental impact. The primary function of its day-to-day operations includes being used by innovators of media and technology, with a focus on acting as an informational center for businesses and government agencies that have a place in foreign trade and global commerce. After the events that caused the One World Trade Center to come to fruition, the significance behind its meaning to both the people of New York and America as a whole is what defines this architectural structure as one to be remembered and appreciated. The unyielding upholding of the nation’s beliefs in liberty, virtue, and resilience continue to be personified by the center.
New York is home to exciting sights, memorable moments, and endless entertainment. However, the architecture could be one of the greatest aspects that the city has to offer. The reasoning behind their importance, record-breaking feats, dedications to the arts, or symbols of the past and future, all have a fascinating connection to the city throughout the years. The architecture of New York is an essential component of its culture and history, which extends to the overall national identity of America. Whether a lover of architecture, a history buff, or a tourist, there is something special to be learned from these buildings and the effect they have had.
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