Thursday, April 13, 2017

The Age of the Skyscraper

As skyscrapers became more prevalent in cities around the world, architects sought out ways to make them stand out from other skyscrapers, while at the same time maintaining functionality. A building that is so high must has a certain amount of adherence to code and regulations, so architects were often limited in their ideas. Architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright used angled exteriors to allow rooms to be less uniformed and confined. Also, the Seagram Building, built by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe and Philip Johnson is unique because it has an open bottom level and is basically on stilts. Therefore, you can walk completely under the building and it is more aesthetically pleasing and even has space for some gardens. The invention of ferroconcrete, concrete strengthened by wire and iron, allowed building to have more shape and protruding elements.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Skyscrapers became a part of the city as people became more associated with the city and became focused on innovation. Skyscrapers are an architectural feat associated with new and modern life. The design of skyscrapers are new and never before seen and have. Every detail has to be thoroughly planned out and skyscrapers are a representation of the new and changing world.

Unknown said...

Architecture was really prominent during the post-modern era. Like Rickeia mentioned, the skyscraper was representative of industrialization and the city life. It depicted the modernized, technologically advanced society that was a result of the changing ideals of the era.

Unknown said...

I think it's really hard to overstate the influence that skyscrapers have had on modern society. When you think of a city skyscrapers are the first thing you think of. On top of that, skyscrapers allow us to get much more use out of a relatively small area. A 3 story building can hold a lot of offices, but a 100 story building can hold an insane amount.

Unknown said...

Post modern sky scrapers are unique. Because they are restricted by building codes, the architect is confined by strict rules. Because of those restrictions, the skyscrapers have new Ana interesting architectural details. It would be interesting to see an entire city built with post modern era sky scrapers. Would the city lose some of its ability to function?