This source explores the multifaceted story of Manhattan's iconic skyscrapers, highlighting the geological foundation of bedrock that made their construction possible. It discusses how early architectural designs like the "wedding cake" style addressed the need for light and air before widespread electricity, and emphasizes the crucial role of elevators in enabling vertical expansion. The text also touches upon the Art Deco influence on many famous buildings, the engineering marvels of both the skinniest and earliest skyscrapers, and the surprising diversity of uses beyond just office space, including residential and hotel accommodations. Finally, the source mentions the historical competition for height records, the contribution of skyscrapers to the city's nocturnal identity through light shows, and the ongoing evolution of these vertical structures with sustainable technologies.

Support the show