Overview
In previous article we have introduced the Chrysler Building, which was then dubbed as the Miracle on 42nd Street, for its height and its innovation on the application of stainless steel materials in building construction.
The success of the Chrysler Building had also drawn attention of architects in this filed. However, it was built in 1930S, during the Great Depression. Only very few buildings could lavish on stainless steel material, among which, the Empire State Building stood out. Let’s explore stainless steel applied in the Empire State Building.
The Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is located in Midtown Manhattan, on 5th Avenue at 34th Street. It was only one year after the Chrysler Building was built that the Empire State Building emerged higher. Specifically, the Empire State Building was completed on 11 April 1931 and opened on 1 May 1931. It was one of the iconic landmarks in New York.
The Tallest Building Until 1972
The Empire State Building was also then the tallest skyscraper worldwide and held the record for 41 years until 1972 when One World Trade Center was opened. Up to date it is the 7th tallest building in New York, yet still among the top 50 all over the world.
It stands 381 meters high till the roof, 443.2 meters high till the very tip of the building. Have to mention, the 222-foot high, 60-ton antenna was installed later in 1950, pushing the spire height to 1472 feet, far surpassing the height of its rivalry the Chrysler Building (319.5 meters high). The initiative was taken to allow more stations to use the Empire State Building antenna.
The Empire State Building has 102 stories which are primarily served as office spaces and an acclaimed tourist attraction for visitor to New York City. There are shops and eateries on the ground floors as well as observation decks on the 80th, 86th & 102nd floors.
The Recording-breaking Construction Pace
The Empire State Building was constructed at an incredible pace at an average of 4.5 floors a week. During a 10-day period, 14 floors were constructed!
The construction was commenced on 17 March 1930. In a recording breaking 1 year and 45 days, the construction was finished. On the opening day, President Hoover attended the opening ceremony and turned on the Empire State Building’s lights for the verst first time.
The Famous Movies Casted
With the debut of the film King Kong on 2 March 1933, the Empire State Building embraced its first iconic roles played on the silver screen and its pop culture moments. There are also other famous movies in which its fame spread globally, including but not limited as below,
- Love Affair (1939)
- An Affair to Remember (1957)
- Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
- ELF (2003)
The Empire State Building boasts the world’s most famous building as it is frequently shown in the media, like movies, TV shows, games, commercials. The 72 screen exhibit displays over 600 clips that feature the building.
The Construction Material
The Empire State Building is constructed with vertical stainless steel strip decorated limestone facade. Specifically, the exterior is made up from 730 tons of aluminum and stainless steel, 200000 cubic feet of Indiana limestone and granite as well as 10 million bricks.
From the 6th floor above, stainless steel sheets arched were installed to extrude upward from each set of windows, shaping a sunburst-effect decoration. Stainless steel fences were assembled in the observation deck of the 85th floor in 1949. Stainless steel materials were also applied extensively in the hall of the building for decoration.
Reliable Stainless Steel Supplier from China
Nowadays, stainless steel becomes commonplace in applications worldwide. If you are looking for reliable stainless steel supplier in China, CIVMATS international teams are here for you.
At CIVMATS, we specialize in stainless steel materials in varied shapes. Grades and dimensions are customizable. We are attentive to stainless steel material quality, delivery time as well as pre-sales and after-sales customer experience. Beyond your satisfaction is our pursuit. Choose CIVMATS, choose reliability and safety.
