ART DECO: The Spire of The Chrysler Building
History
The Chrysler Building is located in Manhattan, NYC. It was built in 1930. It is considered one of the finest examples of Art Deco style in the world, and exuding the Art Deco look in its many features. The spire crowning the building is one of the most prominent Art Deco elements of this great and world-famous structure. The Chrysler Building is now owned by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council.
Designed by
Architect William Van Alen designed The Chrysler Building for a project of Walter P. Chrysler. The original design was planned to be a building crowned with a spire that resembled a jewel-like glass crown. As the building was intended to be the headquarters of the Chrysler Corporation, car elements were among inspiration sources for its decoration. In particular, the side of the spire has been inspired by a car radiator grill, as shown in the picture below.
Dimensions
The total height of The Chrysler Building is 319 m. The height of the spire is 56.3 metres.
Materials
Steel, masonry, marble, glass, concrete, stone.
Elements and Principles
Lines and Pattern. Typical for the Art Deco period, the spire of The Chrysler Building features many lines: curved and diagonal. Repeating pattern is the principle as the sections of the spire repeat in each section of the spire. Each section is smaller than the one below, thus creating the spire.
Manufactured for
For the Chrysler Corporation and Walter P. Chrysler.
Used by Designers
The Chrysler Building and its unique spire in particular have served as sources of inspiration for designers. Below is an Art Deco style bracelet that was inspired by the spire of The Chrysler Building.
Replicas, contemporary interpretations and influences
In Dubai there are not one, but two replicas of The Chrysler Building, standing side by side. They are called the Al Kazim Towers, and they were built in 2007-2008.
Resources
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chrysler_Building_2005_3.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_Building
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/patrickduggandesigns/8462136/tutorial_-_art_deco_bracelet_-_inspired_by_nyc_chrysler_building/design/jewelry/bracelets/beadwoven
http://planesgainesandautomobiles.com/middle-east/uae/dubai-uae/burj-al-arab-heritage-village-the-souks-in-deira-atlantis-the-palm-global-village-so-much-to-do-in-one-day-in-dubai/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Kazim_Towers
