New York Sky Scraper

NYC Architecture

The Empire State Building and Its Impact

The Empire State Building stands in Midtown Manhattan on 5th and 34th. One can see its tall pointed antenna sticking out above the other skyscrapers when one walks around Midtown. Because the building is so iconic, it is easily recognized and gives one a feeling of curiosity that impels the viewer to want to see it up close and to visit its famous observation deck depicted in so many famous films of the past.

The skyscraper is designed in the old Art Deco style of the early 20th century. Although not as obviously Art Deco as the Chrysler Building also in New York, the Empire State Building does certainly fall under this category of architectural design. Its setbacks allow the skyscraper to taper its height, creating a visual effect of a tall, elongated almost pyramidal design. The setbacks establish an aura of grandeur and mystery about the building, as though it contained within itself layers upon layers of secrets inside.

The Art Deco tower at the top of the building, however, is what places the skyscraper alongside the Chrysler Building in terms of decorative style. The tower funnels into a spire of antennae that end in a single pointed lightning rod. It stands like a monument to man's self-assertion, boldly challenging the elements of the air, defying the universe to strike it.

Indeed, standing at the base of it, one is overwhelmed by its immense girth. From 100 stories below, the skyscraper seems a behemoth -- a monster of size. One cannot look up from 5th and 34th and take note of its elegant design. One is too close to it to see. However, there are salesmen on the sidewalks offering tickets to ride the elevator to the observation deck.

How much? The tickets are not cheap! $50 for a ride to the top.

Needless to say, the skyscraper's impact on the street is exciting. For tourists it is a must see. With its unique facade and distinctive design, it catches the eye from afar and lures the traveler to it. All foot traffic seems to be going in its direction, as though everyone on the street were captivated by its presence.

The ticket salesmen are there on the street corners to take advantage of the building's allure.

There are persons below walking around wearing shirts and hats that announce their love for NYC -- a love, one must believe, that is partly established thanks to structures like this one. The skyscraper stands like a lord over all those new to the city. To all those who have lived there and never visited it, it stands like a forbidden mystery. But as one draws nearer to it, one can feel an electricity, a humming activity that seems to emanate from within the building. Workers, businessmen, taxi drivers, commuters, pedestrians, police men, all seem happy just to be in the vicinity of this grand skyscraper and its awesome power.