Socony-Mobil Building, East Midtown, Harrison & Abramovitz, 1956 Courtesy Ken Grant
Growing up in a small suburb only twenty minutes away from what many refer to as "the capital of the world," New York City quickly captured a special place in my heart. Captivated by its grandeur and the many spectacles the city offers, I oftentimes take trips there, whether it be with friends or family. My experience with the city has always been positive, and it has helped me form many fond memories I now share with my loved ones as we traverse its built environment. New York City is a truly diverse metropolis that contains a vibrancy that is missing in other cities like it. This vibrancy stems from its ability to effectively embody the imagination of the many artists, architects, and intellectuals that have had a profound influence on its urban form.
Taking a look at the city through the lens of modernism, I begin to reminisce about fond memories of my engagement with the city. I came to the realization that the values of the movement as a whole are undoubtedly intertwined with the city and its built environment. The expression of modernism takes many forms, and its prevalence cannot be easily overstated in the context of contemporary New York City.
At the turn of the 20th century, the city was at the forefront of a cultural movement that rejected the traditional principles of urbanism and embraced future possibilities. The most significant expression of this movement within New York City is through the implementation of the skyscraper. Inspired partly by the famous architect Le Corbusier and his Radiant City, NYC seems to share the same features of his ideal city. His idea to combine a high-density environment with open spaces designated for social engagement is clearly seen in many of the boroughs of New York City. Additionally, Le Corbusier and his sketches of his radiant city include high-rise buildings uniformly placed across a landscape, including park spaces with greenery; however, the focus is on the large infrastructure and the work that would be done within them. Anyone that has been to the heart of New York City would know that the city represents these modernist ideals quite well, particularly with its many skyscrapers that stretch across the entirety of the city. These buildings were built ambitiously, featuring an incredible height along with a sleek design that truly embodied the modernist aesthetic.
These skyscrapers that accentuate the ideals of the modernist movement are placed all across the city's landscape. For example, the Socony-Mobil building located in East Midtown does well to mimic the sketches done by modernist architect Le Corbusier. Opened in 1956 and designed by the Harrison Abromovitz firm, the 572-foot building became the largest air-conditioned structure in the world during the time period of its creation. The Socony-Mobil building, a prominent skyscraper that exemplifies modernist beliefs, still stands proudly today, towering over 42nd Street.
What's even more impressive than its grand structures is the city's diversity and its ability to offer a great experience for people from all walks of life. Engaging with the city can be easy, and one of the best ways to do it is by taking a walking tour. This allows you to become fully immersed in New York City, as it's known for its entertainment sectors, including a theater scene that beats out most. There are large Broadway shows that draw crowds from around the world and small performance spaces for up-and-comers in the entertainment industry. They showcase everything from experimental theater to stand-up comedy. For those interested in the outdoors and greenery, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with the city's natural beauty. For example, Central Park and the High Line are places that offer a sprawling oasis with long paths to walk on alongside beautiful scenery and lush greenery.
Ultimately, New York City is a wonder of modernism, as it is home to a dense population and hundreds of high-rise buildings. While many people associate modernism with coldness, the beauty of modernism can be found in the light-filled halls of art museums and the grand streets that follow. From popular landmarks to innovative metropolitan architecture, there's so much to do and experience, along with opportunities for personal connections. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a seasoned New Yorker, there will always be something new to discover. So, if you’re ever looking for passion and inspiration, try taking a trip to New York City.
Comments