Skyscrapers

Nineteenth century buildings generally did not exceed 16 stories in height because the strength and thickness of their mandatory bearing walls limited them. Built upward, instead of outward, skyscrapers of the 20th century have solved many of the problems of rapid urbanization, including increasing population and land cost. Skyscrapers release land at ground level, opening up space for plazas, fountains and arcades, creating a lively street and outdoor life, and promoting better human interaction. Tall buildings were made possible by such innovations as the electric elevator, advances in structural steel making, and advances in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical systems.

The Empire State Building: A Monument of the Millennium

Date of Dedication:
July 18, 2001

At 1,250 feet, the Empire State Building is the best-known skyscraper in the world, and was the tallest building in the world for more than 40 years. The building's most astonishing feat, however, was the speed at which it rose into the New York skyline. Construction was completed in only one year and 45 days, without requiring overtime. Ironworkers set a torrid pace, riveting the 58,000-ton frame together in 23 weeks. Just below them, masons finished the exterior in eight months, plumbers laid 51 miles of pipe and electricians installed 17 million feet of telephone wire. The building was so well engineered that it was easily repaired after a bomber crashed into it in 1945. The precise choreography of the operation revolutionized the tall building construction industry.

Previous ASCE designations include America's Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders (1955) and Seven Civil Engineering Wonders of the Modern World (1996).

Empire State Building Poster

The Metropolitan Section (New York) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has commissioned ErrolGraphics and artist Craig Holmes the preparation of an artistic poster and notecards to celebrate the dedication of the Empire State Building as one of the "Top Ten Civil Engineering Monuments of the Millennium", and to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of ASCE.

The 17" x 40" poster (at left) is available at a price of $20 for ASCE members, and $25 for non-members (10% discount for orders of 10 or more posters), plus shipping. The 3¾" x 9" folded notecards are available in packages of 5 at $8 for ASCE Members and $10 for non-members, plus shipping. Download the order form (PDF- 7KB).

Additional Information

http://www.esbnyc.com/
Official site for facts, history, business directory, and a kids section with a printable coloring book.

http://www.nypl.org/research/chss/spe/art/photo/hinex/empire/empire.html
A photo timeline of the construction of the Empire State Building, 1930-1931.

http://www.camvista.com/guestcams/usa/empire.php3
Live images of the Empire State Building from the web cam atop Friday's restaurant at 8th Avenue and 34th Street.

http://www.nyctourist.com/empire1.htm
A photo tour of New York City's most famous fixture.

http://www.justin.com/webcam/
Live view from the 57th floor of the Empire State Building. Archive of time lapse photography.

ASCE does not endorse any of the above Web sites. They are presented here for informational purposes only.

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