The Story of a Building, 1958 [Seagram Building in New York City]

Summary

The 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.