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Steel colossi: 3 iconic buildings in New York and their replicas in Buenos Aires architecture - Infobae
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Colosos de acero: 3 edificios icónicos de Nueva York y sus réplicas en la arquitectura porteña
Son construcciones que desafían el tiempo y las condiciones del suelo y el viento en Manhattan, la isla más famosa del mundo. En CABA se erigieron obras similares, como posibles imitaciones
www.infobae.com
July 20, 2024
They are constructions that defy time and the conditions of the soil and the wind in Manhattan, the most famous island in the world. Similar works were erected in CABA, as possible imitations
By Jose Luis Cieri
The Flatiron Building, the oldest of those built with a steel skeleton. It dates back to 1902 and is located in New York
In terms of construction advances, steel skeletons have defied time, soil and climate. For nearly 100 years, New York has been home to three of the most iconic buildings in the world. Not only are they famous and photographed, but they have also been the setting for hundreds of films and commercials.
In 1933, where would a giant gorilla brought to New York from a remote island feel safest after escaping from his captors? At the top of the Empire State Building, of course. This question and its answer were posed by Merian Cooper and Ernest Schoedsack , directors of King Kong , the first film in the series. The Empire State Building had been opened two years earlier, after 410 days of accelerated construction that began in 1930 after the construction was announced in August 1929. The external beauty of its Art Deco style rises to more than 443 meters in height and has 102 floors, something unheard of for that time.
This architectural revolution made it possible to challenge heights thanks to the use of steel, a material that gave shape to one of the seven wonders of the modern world and was declared a national historic monument of the United States in 1986, 38 years ago.
The Empire State Building, another iconic building that also made headlines thanks to the film King Kong
"Steel has qualities that allow it to overcome structural challenges thanks to its strength and other intrinsic characteristics, making it irreplaceable in construction," Carlos Vaccaro , executive director of the Argentine Chamber of Steel (CAA), explained to Infobae.
One year after the inauguration of the iconic Empire State Building, the Sociedad Anónima Financiera y Comercial (Safico) in Buenos Aires hired the Swiss engineer Walter Moll to build a skyscraper at 400 Corrientes Street, following the architectural lines of the New York giant. The Safico Building, inaugurated in 1934 , was initially intended for housing. Its steel structure was used in the internal columns and in its powerful modernist elevators.
Black and white image of the Safico building, when it stood on Corrientes Avenue in the 1940s
The poet Pablo Neruda lived in the famous apartment 321, which occupies the top three floors. Its 25 floors, which rise to 90 metres, now house news agencies and small and medium-sized businesses.
Genesis
Before the Empire State Building, the tallest building in New York was the Chrysler Building, which opened in May 1930. Standing at 319 metres tall and designed by car magnate Walter P. Chrysler, it also follows Art Deco guidelines and was built with 21,000 tonnes of steel beams and more than 400,000 rivets.
The Chrysler Building in New York with car-inspired design, with body ornaments, fenders and eagles representing the brand
The Chrysler served as a symbol of power and its design is inspired by the automobile, with bodywork, fenders and eagles representing the brand. Buenos Aires also had its version, known as the Palacio Alcorta, originally the “Chrysler Palace.” Located on Avenida Figueroa Alcorta 3300, this construction in the Palermo Chico neighborhood was inaugurated in 1928 and was designed as a circular vehicle test track.
Almost a century old: Alcorta Palace, originally the “Chrysler Palace”. Located at 3300 Figueroa Alcorta Avenue
On iron
Because they are built on corners or on land that requires extreme imagination to obtain the maximum building performance, triangular or "flat" buildings emerged, emulating a true challenge that architects Daniel Burnham and Frederick Dinkelberg were able to achieve in New York in 1902 when they gave birth to the Flatiron Building, also called the Fuller Building, a historic 22-story, 86.9-meter-high construction at 175 Fifth Avenue.The Flatiron building in Buenos Aires, known as the Somisa Building, was designed by architect Mario Roberto Álvarez and is located on Diagonal Sur and Belgrano. This building, made entirely of Argentine steel, was innovative for using welding in its assembly.
The Somisa building is located on Avenida Julio A. Roca 782 (also called Diagonal Sur). It is characterized by its "plank or triangular" style.
Characteristics
The Empire State, Chrysler and Flatiron buildings are iconic in New York for a number of reasons, highlighting the crucial role of steel in their construction and durability. The Empire State uses an advanced limestone-clad steel structure, allowing it to bear heavy loads and withstand high winds.Chrysler's stainless steel not only enhances its aesthetic appearance with its characteristic shine, but also ensures durability. The Flatiron, on the other hand, has a 100% steel structural skeleton, essential to support its peculiar shape and efficiently distribute its weight.
The Flatiron is 86.9 meters high and is located on Fifth Avenue in New York
The Safico building in Buenos Aires bears similarities to the Empire State Building in its use of steel. This material is used in the internal columns and in the modernist elevators and reflects a connection of design and structure, although the Safico was initially intended for housing and the Empire State Building was designed as an office building.
SAFICO, on Corrientes Avenue at 400, was born as a residential building and over time was converted into offices.
The Alcorta Palace demonstrated an innovative use of steel in Buenos Aires architecture. Steel's ability to support heavy loads allowed for the creation of large, open interior spaces, adapted to the needs of the time. This fast and efficient construction technique had a significant impact on Buenos Aires architecture, highlighting the versatility and strength of steel.
Currently, there are several lofts for sale or rent in the construction site in Palermo . The homes for sale range from USD 175,000 to USD 600,000 and there are units for temporary rent that range from USD 600 to USD 1,800 per month.
At Safico there are offices ranging from 30 to 150 square meters and depending on the characteristics and location, rental values range from USD 8 to USD 14 per square meter.
Techniques
The construction of the Somisa building in Buenos Aires, which today houses the headquarters of the Buenos Aires Government's Cabinet Office, made entirely of Argentine steel, faced the challenge of implementing modern construction techniques with this material, ensuring structural resistance and safety standards.Compared to the Flatiron in New York, the Somisa reflects a similar aesthetic and structural design, demonstrating Argentina's ability to develop and use its own resources in the construction of skyscrapers.
Night view of the Chrysler Building towering over the most famous island in the world
The use of steel in buildings such as the Empire State Building and the Somisa proved to be a durable and resistant option.
In Argentina today the cost of building with steel structures averages between USD 900 and USD 1,000 per m2.
“Steel resists compression and tension, supporting floors, ceilings and walls. In addition, it is infinitely recyclable, environmentally friendly and reduces the carbon footprint. Current technologies have improved efficiency, speed and sustainability, optimizing materials and reducing costs and waste,” Vaccaro concluded.
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