Norman Foster
The Evolution of Skyscrapers
Skyscrapers define the American city. The desire to build bigger is not new. Big buildings have been built to show off power and financial success. When it comes to skyscrapers, size does matter. They were once considered purely an American construct; skyscraper construction is now very much a global one. In fact there seems to be competitiveness amongst cities and countries. From the ten story skyscrapers of the late 1800s to today’s 100 plus story marvels, the world has been in competition for the most beautiful, tallest, and now the most ecologically friendly.
In the late 1800s, Chicago led the way in skyscraper design, with many being built in the financial district. These skyscrapers tried to balance visual concerns, with practical commercial design, producing square palazzo styles building. The palazzo style usually had restaurants and shops on the ground level and commercial offices on the upper levels. In contrast, New York City constructed tower style skyscrapers. With the demand for commercial buildings and the restrictions for land plot size, the tower skyscraper was the most practical. The tower skyscraper was known more for functionality, than style.
In the early 1900s Chicago continued to build palazzo-styled buildings, whereas New York City started experimenting with the tower style. Engineering developments made it easier to build and live in taller buildings. There are many iconic buildings of the time: Flatiron, Singer Tower, Metropolitan Life Insurance, and the Woolworth Building. The buildings were considered commercial successes but were coming under criticism for effect they were having on the city. The ordered skyline was no more and streets and other buildings were in continual shadows.
The economic boom of the 1920s brought on a new interest of skyscrapers. New York City’s 1916 Zoning Resolution brought on the Art-Deco or Set-Back style. The Set-Back style has a larger base and
Skyscrapers define the American city. The desire to build bigger is not new. Big buildings have been built to show off power and financial success. When it comes to skyscrapers, size does matter. They were once considered purely an American construct; skyscraper construction is now very much a global one. In fact there seems to be competitiveness amongst cities and countries. From the ten story skyscrapers of the late 1800s to today’s 100 plus story marvels, the world has been in competition for the most beautiful, tallest, and now the most ecologically friendly.
In the late 1800s, Chicago led the way in skyscraper design, with many being built in the financial district. These skyscrapers tried to balance visual concerns, with practical commercial design, producing square palazzo styles building. The palazzo style usually had restaurants and shops on the ground level and commercial offices on the upper levels. In contrast, New York City constructed tower style skyscrapers. With the demand for commercial buildings and the restrictions for land plot size, the tower skyscraper was the most practical. The tower skyscraper was known more for functionality, than style.
In the early 1900s Chicago continued to build palazzo-styled buildings, whereas New York City started experimenting with the tower style. Engineering developments made it easier to build and live in taller buildings. There are many iconic buildings of the time: Flatiron, Singer Tower, Metropolitan Life Insurance, and the Woolworth Building. The buildings were considered commercial successes but were coming under criticism for effect they were having on the city. The ordered skyline was no more and streets and other buildings were in continual shadows.
The economic boom of the 1920s brought on a new interest of skyscrapers. New York City’s 1916 Zoning Resolution brought on the Art-Deco or Set-Back style. The Set-Back style has a larger base and
Cited: Ascher, K. (2011). The Heights: Anatomy of a Skyscraper / Kate Ascher; art direction by Design Language; research by Rob Vroman. New York: Penguin Press, 2011. Bojovic, M. (2013, June 6). “Sustainable Skyscraper For 505 Church Street, Nashville” - eVolo Architecture Magazine. eVolo | Architecture Magazine. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://www.evolo.us/architecture/sustainable-skyscraper-for-505-church-street-nashville/ Douglas, G. H. (1996). Skyscrapers: A Social History of the Very Tall Building in America / by George H. Douglas. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co., c1996. Quick, D. (2010, April 1). “One of the World 's Greenest Skyscrapers Approaches Completion.” Gizmag | New and Emerging Technology News. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://www.gizmag.com/pearl-river-tower/14696/