The Story of a Building, 1958 [Seagram Building in New York City]
Summary
TLDRThe video script details the creation of 375 Park Avenue, a landmark office building in New York City. Designed by architects Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson, it was envisioned as a singular, aristocratic structure. The building's construction involved innovative techniques and materials, such as pinkish gray glass and bronze sheathing. It introduced a human touch with its neighborliness and quiet construction process, using high tensile bolts instead of rivets. The Seagram Building, as it came to be known, is celebrated for its architectural beauty, pioneering innovations, and the integration of a tree-lined plaza, setting a new standard in 20th-century architecture.
Takeaways
- 🏢 The Seagram Building, located at 375 Park Avenue, is described as a unique landmark with aristocratic qualities and a new standard of architectural quality.
- 🏗️ The transformation of the site from residential to a business address was a vision of industrialist Samuel Bronfman, who aimed to create a skyscraper that would become a landmark.
- 👥 Designed by renowned architects Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson, the Seagram Building was the result of close teamwork and the use of large machinery.
- 🛠️ Bethlehem Steel Mills contributed to the project by producing 25 million pounds of steel for the building's framework, which is equivalent to a ribbon around Manhattan Island.
- 🔨 The construction process was innovative, using high tensile bolts (190,000 of them) instead of rivets, making it quieter and earning an award from the New York Committee for a Quiet City.
- 🌟 The building introduced several design innovations, including pinkish gray heat and glare-resistant glass windows for occupant comfort.
- 🛡️ The building's facade was tested with man-made hurricanes, using 120 mile an hour winds to ensure its durability.
- 🎨 The Seagram Building was the first to use bronze extensively in its construction, setting it apart from other New York skyscrapers that used aluminum, steel, and glass.
- 🗝️ The building's design includes a concrete spine for structural support and a facade that deepens in tone over time without changing its appearance.
- 🚗 The building also features an ultra-modern garage with mechanical aids for safe and speedy parking.
- 🏞️ Italian marble was used extensively in the building's interior and exterior, covering 46,000 square feet inside and 17,000 square feet on the plaza.
- 🌃 The Seagram Building was the first New York skyscraper to be fully illuminated at night, with a regal mixture of black and gold reflecting its architectural significance.
Q & A
What makes 375 Park Avenue unique according to architectural leaders?
-375 Park Avenue is considered a singular landmark with aloof and aristocratic qualities, which architectural leaders believe is unlikely to be often repeated in any city.
Who had the vision for the Seagram Building and what was their goal?
-The vision for the Seagram Building came from an industrialist who wanted to create something special for his company's headquarters, aiming to build a skyscraper that would become a landmark.
What was the initial site of the Seagram Building before construction began?
-The initial site was a 60,000-square-foot piece of choice real estate on Park Avenue.
How much steel was used in the framework of the Seagram Building?
-The framework of the Seagram Building used 25 million pounds of steel, enough to form a ribbon around Manhattan Island.
What innovations were pioneered by the Seagram Building in office building design?
-The Seagram Building pioneered the use of pinkish gray heat and glare-resistant glass windows, which are easier on the eyes for those who work in the building.
What was unique about the materials used in the exterior of the Seagram Building?
-The Seagram Building was sheathed in bronze, which was chosen for its special dignity and design, making it unique compared to other New York skyscrapers that use aluminum, steel, and glass.
How were the bronze panels and vertical columns constructed and fitted in the Seagram Building?
-The bronze panels were cut to exact size by machines, and then skilled craftsmen had to fit them into their proper places. The vertical columns, referred to as 'volumes' by construction men, had to perform architectural tasks such as separating floor-to-ceiling windows and multiplying the vertical lines.
What was the significance of the marble used in the Seagram Building and where was it sourced from?
-The marble used in the Seagram Building was sourced from the mountains of northern Italy, 3,000 miles away, to lend its particular beauty to the building.
How did the construction of the Seagram Building impact the surrounding community?
-The construction of the Seagram Building was designed to minimize impact on the community. For example, riveting was done at the mills to avoid the noise of riveters' guns in the neighborhood, and the building was bolted together using high tensile bolts to eliminate the risks of hot rivets.
What awards or recognitions did the Seagram Building receive during its construction?
-The Seagram Building received a citation from the New York Committee for a Quiet City for being one of the tallest bolted buildings in the world, which contributed to a quieter urban environment.
How does the Seagram Building contribute to the architectural beauty of the Manhattan skyline?
-The Seagram Building has been acclaimed as the most beautiful tower on the Manhattan skyline, and its design, including an open fountain and tree-lined Plaza, illustrates how sacrificing building space in crowded areas can enhance the architectural beauty of the community.
Outlines
🏢 The Genesis of a Landmark: 375 Park Avenue
This paragraph introduces 375 Park Avenue as a unique architectural landmark, designed by Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson. The building's conception was driven by an industrialist's vision to create a distinctive headquarters. The site's acquisition, demolition, and initial construction phases are highlighted, emphasizing the transformation from a residential building to a business address. The construction process involved significant innovation, such as the use of pinkish gray heat and glare-resistant glass, and rigorous testing against man-made hurricanes. The building's facade, made of bronze, stands out for its dignified design and the use of over three million pounds of the material, setting it apart from other New York skyscrapers.
🛠️ Construction Innovations and the Human Touch
This section delves into the construction techniques and innovations of 375 Park Avenue, focusing on the human element and craftsmanship involved. The building's construction was facilitated by the coordination of men, materials, and equipment. The use of high tensile bolts for assembly, making it one of the tallest bolted buildings, is noted for its innovation and neighborliness. The absence of riveting noise during construction is highlighted as a thoughtful consideration for the surrounding community. The building's design is praised for its ability to withstand strong winds and accommodate the flow of materials without causing traffic congestion. The facade's precision and the building's overall rise to a height of 38 stories are emphasized, showcasing the progress and skill involved in its construction.
🏞️ The Seagram Plaza and Architectural Excellence
The final paragraph discusses the completion of 375 Park Avenue and its integration into the New York skyline. It details the building's innovative features, such as its fully illuminated facade at night and the use of Italian marble for aesthetic enhancement. The building's plaza and lobby are highlighted for their beauty and the meticulous finishing touches, including the specially designed window plates. The paragraph also mentions the building's state-of-the-art underground facilities, such as the power plant and an ultra-modern garage. The Seagram Building is acclaimed for its architectural beauty, the sacrifices made for aesthetic purposes, and its contribution to the community's architectural landscape. The New York Museum of Modern Art commends the building for illustrating the enhancement of architectural beauty through the thoughtful use of space.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Architectural Landmark
💡Industrialist
💡Demolition and Construction
💡Steel Framework
💡Innovation
💡Bronze Sheathing
💡Vertical Columns
💡Facade
💡High Tensile Bolts
💡Italian Marble
💡Electrostatic Filter System
Highlights
375 Park Avenue is described as a singular landmark with aloof and aristocratic qualities, setting a new standard of architectural quality.
The building was envisioned by an industrialist as a special headquarters that would become a landmark.
The site was purchased, consisting of 60,000 square feet of prime real estate on Park Avenue.
Construction began with the demolition and transformation from a residential building to a business address of distinction.
World-renowned architects Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson designed the building.
25 million pounds of steel were used for the framework, enough to form a ribbon around Manhattan Island.
The Seagram Building pioneered numerous innovations in office building design, including pinkish gray heat and glare-resistant glass windows.
Special walls of glass and metal were tested against 120-mile-an-hour winds in a man-made hurricane.
The building's facade is sheathed in bronze, a unique choice compared to other New York skyscrapers that use aluminum, steel, and glass.
Over three million pounds of bronze were used, with panels cut to exact size and fitted by skilled craftsmen.
The building features narrow, vertical columns that separate floor-to-ceiling windows and multiply vertical lines, contributing to its majestic appearance.
The i-beam mullions were extruded in lengths of 26 feet, marking the longest bronze sections ever extruded.
The building's construction used high tensile bolts, making it one of the tallest bolted buildings in the world and eliminating the need for hot rivets.
The building's design and construction earned it a citation from the New York Committee for a Quiet City for its quiet bolting method.
The building's concrete spine aids in withstanding strong winds at great heights.
The facade is designed to deepen in tone over the years without changing, and is resistant to weather, dirt, and soot.
The building houses a powerplant, air conditioning, and air purifying equipment, including an electrostatic filter system.
An ultra-modern garage with mechanical aids for safe and speedy parking is located in the basement.
Italian marble was imported to adorn the building's lobby, corridors, and plaza, covering a total of 63,000 square feet.
The building's window plates are specially designed, with each weighing 109 pounds and the lobby window plates weighing 500 pounds each.
Samuel Bronfman's vision for the building is realized, with the Seagram Building earning architectural acclaim as one of the most beautiful towers on the Manhattan skyline.
The building was the first in New York to be fully illuminated at night, with a regal mixture of black and gold replacing the sunlight's refreshing bath on bronze.
Transcripts
[Music]
375 Park Avenue not just another New
York office building but in the words of
architectural leaders a singular
landmark with aloof and aristocratic
qualities not likely to be often
repeated in any city anywhere a new
standard of architectural quality out of
the dreams of one industrialist this
great new edifice came into being he had
the vision of something special for his
company's headquarters the skyscraper
that would become a landmark the Park
Avenue site had been bought 60,000
square feet of choice real estate then
in the chill of a February day giant
shovels began chewing at rock and mud
[Music]
it takes big men big machines to make
big dreams come true and close teamwork
[Music]
out of this humble origin rock mud and
water Vasseur a great bronze tower these
are the very beginnings of the change
the transformation from a famous
residential building to an address a
business distinction designed by
world-renowned architect Mies van der
Rohe and Philip Johnson and even at this
beginning point curious eyes look on as
the realization of the dream follows a
pattern first demolition then
construction from its very origins any
major skyscraper makes an impact on
business and life in its community yes
even on the nation as the Park Avenue
site was made ready bethlehem steel
mills were playing their part turning
out 25 million pounds of steel for the
framework enough steel to form a ribbon
around manhattan island
[Music]
into the framework was built a human
quality the quality of neighborliness
as each girder was formed all the
necessary riveting was done right at the
Mills this sped the construction but it
also spared the neighborhood the
deafening chatter of the riveters guns
the Seagram building pioneered in dozens
of innovations for office building
design one major advance specially
devised pinkish gray heat and glare
resistant glass windows of this glass
are easier on the eyes of those who
inhabit the office building but
innovations and responsibilities the
undeniable need for testing the
skyscrapers special walls of glass and
metal were subjected to the beating of
man-made hurricanes with 120 mile an
hour winds they passed the tests in the
practical laboratory that is now the
finished building the quest for new
materials in modern ways to use standard
materials was on ending in the search
for a special dignity and design age-old
bronze was chosen other New York
skyscrapers where faces of aluminum
steel glass but this building sheathed
in bronze is unique
to accomplish the desired effect
required over three million pounds of
bronze machines cut the panels to exact
size but men skilled craftsmen must fit
them into their proper places in which
there will be no leeway the precise
plates are only half the story
coupled with them to carry out the
spectacular new design our narrow
vertical columns construction men speak
of them as volumes these columns have to
architectural tasks to perform they
separate the floor-to-ceiling windows
and also they multiply the vertical
lines rising majestically from the
glass-walled ground floor to the top of
the building here is accent unrestricted
pure upward movement it said the
building is a dutifully tooled
masterpiece of metal and glass the
i-beam mullions were extruded or forced
through dies in lengths of 26 feet thus
they were the longest bronze sections
ever extruded induced a project from the
building to cast short shadows in
patterns that create a rich
three-dimensional effect
here again the human element attains
taking checked by man of the work of a
machine a long hard look of the knowing
and experienced eye the precise wrap of
the hammer all the things that go to
spell quality old world skill also had
its part to contribute to the maturing
skyscraper 3,000 miles away in the
mountains of northern Italy marble is
hewn from its natural setting to adorn
the new building coordinating men
material and equipment is another of the
constant jobs when a vision is being
turned into reality near the
construction site is building progresses
implementers of the dream meet regularly
to dovetail their various activities
assign work crews make certain
everything goes smoothly and to keep an
eager eye on production schedules
as the months rolled by the structure
takes on form floor by floor the
building Rises it's not long before
steel riggers are operating at dizzying
heights as the frame of the thirty eight
story building nears completion these
men juggle girders hundreds of feet in
the air
[Music]
time is right for a smoke but all the
place this becomes a sort of game of
pitch and catch with steel girders as
the ball only real pros last any length
of time in this league
it's at this stage in the construction
of most skyscrapers that those who live
and work in the immediate area usually
have had it
the constant rat-a-tat-tat of the
riveters guns that is not so with this
building its giant skeleton is locked
together by high tensile bolts 190,000
of them it's one of the tallest bolted
buildings in the world
this innovation eliminated the risks of
hot rivets and the costly and thoughtful
venture and neighborliness brought this
building one of its many awards a
citation from the New York Committee for
a quiet City
[Music]
already this building is taking its
place as one of New York's mild poses
and critics the world over hail the
building for its overall concept details
equipment the buildings concrete spine
helps the structure brush off more
easily those often strong winds at it's
great heights
meanwhile on Manhattan's always busy
streets the flow of material continues
it's time like a railroad schedule get
arranged to cause the city no extra
traffic congestion with the framework
finished the building is now ready to
receive its carefully fashioned facade
the precise panels are eased into place
they snuggle together as closely as
pieces of a jigsaw puzzle
over the years the facade is designed to
deepen in tone but not to change it will
withstand every kind of weather even
hold out steadfastly against the dirt
and soot of a busy city
[Music]
on the ground above the ground and below
the ground the job is pressing toward
conclusion yesterday a massive steel
skeleton stood reveal to a watching
world today another floor Rises and
still another reaching 38 stories into
the sky
[Music]
who can resist the view from this
vantage point only a quick look however
where there's work to be done from the
upper reaches of the building an open
elevator conveys workmen swiftly
downward to ground level and below where
the nerve center of the skyscraper also
nears completion two storeys below
ground were not long ago only a cavern
of rock and mud existed the powerplant
of the skyscraper a maze of tubes ducts
and cables and generators IRA's
generated enough heat to keep the plaza
in the heart of the city free of snow
and ice enough heat to melt 500 tons of
ice a day here also much of the air
conditioning and air purifying equipment
an electrostatic filter system
magnetically removes dirt from the air
circulated throughout the 38 storeys it
becomes one of the cleanest and
healthiest buildings in the world aside
from the vast amount of equipment housed
here the basement of the building holds
an ultra-modern garage it has every
mechanical aid to safe and speedy
parking for the public
[Music]
into the bustling Port of New York comes
a shipment of Italian marble for the
half acre Plaza fronting the building
and its Lobby in corridors from the
mountains of northern Italy 3,000 miles
across the sea this material came to
lend its own particular Beauty to the
dream now rapidly coming true
but still another skillful step is
required here the great blocks of marble
must be sliced and polished then like
everything else
cut to exact size then the delicate
finishing touches this fine marble
covers forty six thousand square feet
within the building and another
seventeen thousand square feet of it
spacious Plaza
[Music]
each of the specially design window
plates weighs 109 pounds the
floor-to-ceiling lobby window plates
weigh 500 pounds each
now the building itself is complete it
remains only for those final painstaking
details that go into design right down
to the last doorknob the last male shoot
now at last the vision of industrialist
Samuel branchman and his family becomes
reality the dream comes true and as the
building takes its place in the profile
of New York a new neighbor sets up house
across the street the Seagram building
has one architectural acclaim as the
most beautiful tower ever derived on
Manhattan skyline in the air a and open
fountain and tree-lined Plaza they
sacrificed rentable space to beauty in
quiet reflection the New York Museum of
Modern Art said it best illustrates how
sacrificing building space in crowded
areas enhances the architectural beauty
of the community
this building is the first New York
skyscraper to be fully illuminated at
night when the refreshing bath of
sunlight on bronze gives way to a regal
mixture of black and gold by day and by
night this skyscraper stands as a great
event the 20th century architecture a
dream come true
[Music]
[Applause]
[Music]
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