The New York Landmarks Conservancy Modern Marvels Survey - Vote for Your Favorite
“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.”
~ Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
The second half of the 20th century was marked by the explosive growth of the Modern and International styles. Construction of these two related designs was not confined to a particular neighborhood, and is indeed found throughout New York.
Each month, the Landmarks Conservancy explores a different architectural function or theme, and in June, we’ll highlight these revolutionary buildings, ranging from the Edward Durrell Stone House to the former TWA Flight Center and the monolithic One Chase Plaza.
Of the multitude of Modernist buildings constructed in the middle of the 20th century, the Conservancy staff has selected our favorite buildings from the era … vote for your favorite, or submit your own beloved “Modern Marvel.”
Additionally, we will create a Facebook album of both contemporary and historical photos. If you wish to contribute, we’ll upload your photos as well!
Landmarks Conservancy Staff Picks:
Lever House: (1950-52) An aesthetically flawless example of the International Style designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, with Gordon Bunshaft as partner in charge. It started a new wave in American skyscraper design as it was the first time the style was used by a corporate client for its headquarters.
Seagram Building: (1958) Meticulously designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the Seagram Building has had a strong influence on the design of other Modern buildings.
UN Secretariat Building: (1952) The Modern masterpiece was designed by Oscar Niemeyer and Le Corbusier with the International Committee of Architects, chaired by Wallace Harrison. It is not a New York City landmark due to the land it occupies being international territory, but its shimmering beauty is recognized around the world.
One Chase Manhattan Plaza: (1961) Under the leadership of David Rockefeller, Chase Manhattan Bank was one of the first Modernist buildings in the Financial District. The interior is asymmetrical, and interestingly, has direct access to the New York City subway system. It was designed by Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum: Built in 1959, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum challenged the increasing rigidity of Modern design that relied on glass and steel facades.
TWA Flight Center: (1962) Designed by Eero Saarinen, the TWA Flight Center is an excellent example of the sculptural potential of Modernism.
CBS Building, also known as "Black Rock": (1964) The last completed work designed by architect Eero Saarinen (later, Kevin Roche and John Dinkeloo), it is one of the country's great works of Modern architecture. Saarinen's goal was to build what he called "the simplest skyscraper in New York."
Ford Foundation Building: (1968) Designed by Kevin Roche and John Dinkeloo Associates (the successor firm to Eero Saarinen), it is one of the most widely admired examples of Modernist architecture. Its exterior and interior are both designated landmarks.
130 E. 64th Street (Edward Durrell Stone House): Built as a brownstone residence in 1878, altered by Modernist architect Edward Durrell Stone in 1956, with his signature cast stone grillage.
