Both the Empire State Building and Chrysler building are built as a part of the New York City 1920s building boom. Both of them represent the power and prestige of the automobile industry companies. They were both build-in art deco style. Both buildings were constructed using a frame of steel, very modern and lasting material. But even though these two buildings are so similar they have so many differences.
The exterior of Empire State building is covered in limestone and granite, accented with aluminum. This combination of materials was very common in Art Deco and promoted an aesthetic that was industrial and modern yet refined. Empire state building does not have a whole lot of extra ornamentation because the focus is on the structure itself. The most important element of this design is its height. At its tip, the Empire State Building is 1,454 feet tall, holds over 2 million square feet frame of steel of office space, and covers two acres of land. The most notable art deco style elements are in the lobby of this building. The Empire State Building design featured one major setback and several smaller ones. The top of the building is made of glass, steel, and aluminum.
Chrysler building has less seatback then Empire State building, but more ornamentation at exterior. Materials used for the exterior facade is black granite and white marble, especially at the ground floors. On higher floors, we can see the use of brick elements and at the top of the building uniquely decorated hubcaps, and car hood ornaments. We can see eagles and gargoyles as a decoration on the corners of the buildings, helping in a smoother transition between seatbacks. The crown and the spire are made of stainless steel, unique for that time. Also, the corners of the building are made in a unique style with black wired walls next to the windows which give windows visual extension from outside.
Both buildings represent the golden age of the American car industry and step forward into the modern world and new designs. Without each other, both will not exist in this form of beauty and heights. And, also both represent an inspiration for the architects worldwide.
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