The History Of Skyscrapers

Technology allows us to construct structures that we would never have been able to make in the past. Some of the creations are impressive based on what they accomplish but others are masterpieces in themselves. Man’s capability to build such tall buildings, as the skyscrapers we are familiar with covering our cities today, is a major expression of the advancements we have made as a culture. The power necessary to build such tall structures inspired competition between architects to see who could build the tallest one. One skyscraper that has inspired many and served as a model, for high rise buildings that were created after, is the Chrysler Building. The Chrysler Building serves as an identifying mark to anyone that views the New York City

The term was originally used to refer to a tall mast on a sailing vessel. Skyscrapers were first introduced in the 19th century. Prior to the 19th century a high rise building was thought of as unrealistic because it was irrational to have people walk up multiple flights of stairs. There was also the problem of providing the top floors with water pressure. Early on they only had the technology to provide water up to 50 feet or 15 meters. These problems were soon rectified by the invention of the elevator and also with the development of a water pumps that were made of steel and reinforced with concrete. Skyscrapers first appeared in New York and Chicago. The Home Insurance Building, the first skyscraper ever erected, was a 10 story structure built by William Le Baron Jenney in

Four story buildings are supported by their own walls; however a new method needed to be created for skyscrapers since the previous building method would not provide enough support. Metal skeletal frames made of columns and beams were then developed to provide the support and strength needed for the skyscrapers. As the buildings grew taller, their structural design was made lighter and stiffer. Also, as the buildings grew taller, wind became an important issue. Normally, the force that acts on the skyscraper pushes directly downward towards the ground that would then counter balance that push. However, when an additional force acts on it, such as wind, the forces would act differently on the skyscraper. With a lateral force acting on the building, the steel columns of the frame on the windy side would stretch apart slightly while the columns on the other side would compress. Therefore, the skeletal frame built had to be made so that the structure would be free to move slightly with the wind and, at the same time, remain sturdy. The initial plan for this particular skyscraper built on Lexington Avenue at 42nd Street was pioneered by William J. Reynolds. Reynolds was a former New York State Senator who became a real-estate enthusiast.