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Opened in 1931! How did the Empire State Building become the tallest building in the world?
In Manhattan's South Midtown, stands a building that symbolizes excellence in engineering technology and artistic design - the Empire State Building. On May 1, 1931, this 102-story skyscraper opened and has since become one of the landmarks around the world. It is not only famous for its height, but also represents the breakthrough and progress in architecture in the United States at that time.
Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, the designers of the Empire State Building, injected an Art Deco style into the building's exterior, combining technology and aesthetics.
History and background of construction
This majestic building is located on the west side of Fifth Avenue, in an area that originally housed the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, established in 1893. In 1929, Empire State Inc. acquired the land and planned to build a skyscraper. After 15 design changes, it was finally decided to build a building that would break the world height record. Construction began on March 17, 1930, and was completed in just 13 and a half months. This was an astonishing achievement given the backdrop of the Great Depression.
Building design and features
The design of the Empire State Building fully demonstrates the Art Deco style of the time. Its height reaches 1,250 feet, and together with the 203-foot spire and antenna, the overall height is 1,454 feet. The exterior of the building is made of Indiana limestone. This material gives the building a unique golden luster and has become one of the city's symbols.
The designers focused on the symmetry of the three main horizontal sections to give the building a more imposing appearance.
The base of the building has a five-story base, and the 81st floor extends upward with a significant setback design, all to meet the requirements of the 1916 city plan and allow sunlight to reach the street.
In-building facilities and observation deck
The Empire State Building has an internal area of 2,768,591 square feet, providing a huge amount of commercial office space. From the observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors, which attract 4 million tourists every year, they can overlook the beautiful scenery of Manhattan. With the addition of the indoor observation deck on the 80th floor in 2019, the visitor experience has been further improved.
The Empire State Building is not only a landmark, but also a cultural symbol, having appeared in more than 250 film and television productions.
Light shows and activities
The skyscraper’s top lighting system has been upgraded and renovated several times since 1932. From the original search lights to today's smart LED lamps, the Empire State Building's light show changes with the seasons and special events every year. It can adjust the colors according to different activities and festivals, presenting a spectacular visual feast.
For example, during the 2012 presidential election, CNN used the lights of the Empire State Building to display the election results in real time. When an artist dies or other social events occur, the building will pay tribute to him, making it an indispensable urban cultural symbol.
The significance and influence of the Empire State Building
Over time, the Empire State Building's status has evolved. It was once an architectural marvel and a symbol of global economic prosperity, but in the shadow of the Great Depression and World War II, operators did not become profitable until the early 1950s.
The American Society of Civil Engineers rated it as one of the "Seven Wonders of the Modern World", demonstrating its great engineering value.
Future Outlook
Today the Empire State Building remains one of New York's most revered and recognizable buildings. With various renewal and renovation plans emerging in the area, the skyscraper continues to attract the attention of tourists. Whether it is business activities or cultural exchanges, the Empire State Building is constantly writing new chapters.
Facing future development, can the Empire State Building continue to maintain its unique status and charm among high-rise buildings?
