Page 496 - (DK) The Ultimate Visual Dictionary 2nd Ed.

ARCHITECTURE

The early 20th century EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING, NEW
YORK, USA, 1929-1931
(BY R. H. SHREVE,
T. LAMB, AND
ARCHITECTURE OF THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY is notable for radical new types of A. L. HARMON)
steel-and-glass buildings—particularly skyscrapers—and the widespread use of
Radio mast
steel-reinforced concrete. The steel-framed skyscraper was pioneered in Chicago
in the 1880s, but did not become widespread until the first decades of the 20th Circular lantern
century. As construction techniques were refined, skyscrapers became higher
and higher; for example, the Empire State Building (right) of 1929-1931 Art deco splayed
has 102 stories. Many buildings of this period were constructed from Stepped seashell form
lightweight concrete slabs, which could be supported by cantilever plinth
Chamfered corner
beams or by pilotis (stilts). The early 20th century also produced Colonnaded
a great variety of architectural styles, some of which are story
illustrated opposite. Despite their diversity, the styles of this
Ornamentation
period generally had one thing in common: they were Ziggurat-
completely new, with few links to past architectural styles. Set-back style
step-back
This originality is in marked contrast to 19th century
architecture (see pp. 492-493), much of which was revivalist. Steel
mullion

Flush
window
Vertical pier

Regular
fenestration
Windowsill
Solid-panel
infill
Curved
wall
Fanlike
art deco
decoration

Decorated Stone
stone lintel structure line

Limestone and
granite cladding
Stepped
cornice
Flat roof
Parapet
Plinth
The Empire State Building’s top 30 floors were first
illuminated in color in 1976 to honor the United
States Bicentennial. This marked the beginning of the
Lighting Partners Program that today sees the building
lit up in specific colors for many occasions. Above, the
blue, white, and red lights celebrate Independence Day.
Covered Ground-floor Square
driveway entrance Base bay

494