Yesterday we visited a major symbol of New York City - the Empire State Building, built in 1930, approx. 430-meters tall. The architects who designed it were Shreve, Lamb and Harmon. It's interesting how names of American architects for the most part don't ring a bell to me - and I'm guessing vice versa when it comes to European architects. Our history of American architecture was limited to an outline of main processes and trends. Hopefully I can spend some time to study it while I'm here.
Both the inside and the outside present many exquisite art deco details, including chandeliers, ceilings, selected interior materials and the spire, being the crown of the building.
What's pretty interesting is that the building was designed in the characteristic pyramid-like (or Warsaw's Palace of Culture like) shape to meet the requirements of insolation for the adjacent buildings.
Until early 70's it used to be the tallest building in the US. Currently it takes the 3rd place in the country. See below for some photos taken from the 80th and 86th floor. We accidentally got to the 102nd floor too.
My current favorite, 432 Park Avenue, tallest residential building on the western hemisphere.
We recognized some buildings we've worked on from the above. That was a nice feeling and the best part of working in Manhattan - being able to contribute to something so huge. On the other hand it's never what it seems in photos or movies.
Later we visited the Grand Central and the High Line, for just a short while.
I can already tell that I will be recovering from this vacation for another 2 weeks. :)
"The Shed" cultural center being built.
While taking a short walk on the High Line, we saw a residential building by Zaha Hadid.
Nothing is easy in New York City guys. Everything is done in a rush or depends on your level of trust that will nevertheless be put to test and lost.
Today I found out that the gospel show and brunch that I bought those ridiculously expensive tickets to for me and my mom for Easter Sunday takes place in Times Square (I obviously didn't check the address since it was called "Harlem... something"). And that our plane to Las Vegas takes off at 6 am from Newark and not JFK as I thought.
We're screwed. But it's alright. Life is full of little things that exist to piss you off. For some reason it only pisses me off in New York City.
But life can be beautiful.