Art #3 - The Introduction of the Skyscraper

      Throughout the early 1900s, there was an explosion with architecture within the western civilization.  That is not to say that there was no architecture used before this period of time, but what is portrayed is that there was a different emphasis placed on the architecture.  Before this time period buildings were, most usually flat and squares, not more than 2 or 3 stories tall.  With the turn of the century, the style has changed and now there is an idea of a “skyscraper” coming into view.  This new building was to be so tall that it could then touch the sky, and go even farther!

     As is shown here in these two photos, there are some extremely stark differences.  It now apparent that the buildings have become taller, as well as wider.  But, it is surprising to see that the amount of detail contained between the two buildings has not changed really at all.  It was thought that with the coming of the bigger buildings that there would be less emphasis on eye appeal and more emphasis on size.  As we can see here this was not the case at all.  While it is true that some skyscrapers did choose to not include decorative architecture within their buildings, but most of the skyscrapers did retain said intricate detailing over the outsides of the buildings.

     As we can see here the intricate details contained in the walls of the skyscrapers are still intact.  It was also thought that with the introduction of the skyscraper that all dome shapes, as well as arches would be abandoned.  This however is not true as we can see in the last picture above.  The "traditional" methods of architecture were still very much in play at the time.

     What had helped with the invention, or beginning, of the skyscraper was a new way of melting and smelting steel.  This new way made steel not only stronger, but lighter and more resilient to huge loads, allowing the buildings to grow taller without posing any kind of safety hazards, such as collapse.  This was all due to the mind of one man, Henry Bessemer.  His idea of smelting steel is still in use today, although changed, the same idea and concept is used today to produce steel.

     Although skyscrapers are a relatively new concept within today’s society, the question pops into the head, is the concept of making buildings larger and larger a new one?  The answer to this would have to be no.  This idea has been implanted in man’s head for a very long time.  The first example would be the pyramids of Giza located in Egypt, followed by the temples located in Greece and in Rome, and finally the Cathedrals scattered all over Europe.  The strive to build taller, bigger buildings has always been an idea floating around through societies, all throughout time!

     Although today's skyscrapers differ greatly from the skyscrapers from the turn of the 20th century, they are still evolving every time one is erected.

     Here is the most recent skyscraper that has gone up within the world.  It goes through the stages of progress of the building.