The Forum The First Skyscrapers
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Nov 13, 2017 In this discussion, Carol Willis, director of the Skyscraper Museum, Thomas Leslie, an architect focused on early Chicago skyscrapers, and Benjamin Flowers, a political expert on NYC's skyline, dive into the origins of skyscrapers. They explore iconic structures like the Empire State Building and the Seagram Building, emphasizing the technological innovations that made these giants possible. The trio discusses how skyscrapers shaped urban life and identity, reflecting societal aspirations and challenges throughout history and into the future.
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Skyscraper Origins
- The word "skyscraper" originally referred to various tall things, not just buildings.
- It described things like hats, baseball hits, and the tallest sail on a ship.
Defining Skyscrapers
- Defining "skyscraper" is context-dependent, as height perceptions change over time.
- What was once considered a skyscraper might now just be a tall building.
Key Skyscraper Features
- Skyscrapers, unlike structures like pyramids, prioritize rentable floor area.
- Developments maximizing space, light, air, and vertical movement redefined skyscrapers.