The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It was designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and completed in 1931. The building has a roof height of 1,250 feet (380 m) and stands a total of 1,454 feet (443.2 m) tall, including its antenna. Its name is derived from “Empire State”, the nickname of New York, which is of unknown origin. As of 2019 the building is the 5th-tallest completed skyscraper in the United States and the 28th-tallest in the world. The Empire State Building stood as the world’s tallest building for nearly 40 years until the completion of the World Trade Center’s North Tower in Lower Manhattan in late 1970. Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, it was again the tallest building in New York until the new One World Trade Center was completed in April 2012.

The Empire State Building is an American cultural icon and has been featured in more than 250 TV shows and movies since the film King Kong was released in 1933. A symbol of New York City, the tower has been named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL

The Empire State Building stands as a testament to human ingenuity and architectural prowess. Its construction, completed in just 410 days, showcased the efficiency of 1930s building techniques. The structure’s framework, composed of 57,000 tons of steel, was assembled at a remarkable pace of 4.5 stories per week.

FOUNDATION FACTS

Delving into the building’s foundation reveals fascinating details. The skyscraper rests on a base of solid limestone bedrock, extending 55 feet below street level. This robust foundation ensures stability, allowing the building to sway only 1.48 inches in strong winds.

INNOVATIVE DESIGN ELEMENTS

Art Deco aesthetics meet functional design in the Empire State Building. The iconic spire, originally intended as a mooring mast for airships, now serves as a broadcasting tower. The building’s setback design not only adheres to New York City’s 1916 Zoning Resolution but also maximizes natural light penetration to the streets below.

ELEVATOR ENGINEERING

The Empire State Building’s elevator system is a marvel of vertical transportation. With 73 elevators, including two that reach the 103rd floor observatory, the building efficiently moves thousands of people daily. The express elevators can ascend at speeds of up to 1,400 feet per minute.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADES

In recent years, the Empire State Building has undergone significant retrofitting to improve energy efficiency. The installation of 6,514 insulated windows and a state-of-the-art building management system has reduced energy consumption by 38%, setting a new standard for sustainable practices in historic skyscrapers.

STRUCTURAL RESILIENCE

The building’s structural integrity has been tested by extreme events. In 1945, a B-25 bomber accidentally crashed into the 79th floor, causing minimal structural damage. This incident demonstrated the robustness of the building’s design and construction.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

The Empire State Building’s facade showcases a variety of materials. Over 200,000 cubic feet of Indiana limestone and granite, 10 million bricks, and 730 tons of aluminum and stainless steel were used in its construction. The meticulous selection of materials contributes to both the building’s durability and its iconic appearance.

WIND TUNNEL TESTING

During the design phase, engineers conducted extensive wind tunnel tests to ensure the building’s stability. These tests led to the implementation of a unique structural system that allows the building to withstand high winds while maintaining occupant comfort.