Architecture Modern

Starrett-Lehigh Building

Sitting atop the freight transport center of the city is one of New York City’s oldest ‘modern’ buildings. The Starrett-Lehigh Building, aNew York City landmark and part of the West Chelsea Historic District, was constructed in 1931 as a freight terminal, warehouse, and office building for the Starrett real-estate interests and the Lehigh Valley Railroad.

Located right on the Hudson and occupying a whole city block, it was the ideal place to receive large shipments. Freight cars came right into the building to unload their wares, and were lifted in 30 foot elevators to the upper floors (now used to transport food trucks straight into the building). With its streamlined design, consisting of 8 miles of continuous glass in steel-encasement windows, the building is a striking example of the ’30s International Style.

IAC Building

Image via Wikimedia: ~~×α£đ~~^es

Frank Gehry’s first New York building, the IAC Building, has often been likened to a ship setting sail or an iceberg. It’s an excellent example of the way an architect like Gehry takes inspiration from the building’s surroundings when designing.

Constructed in the deconstructivist style, the IAC building is divided into various sections that appear twisted together like the cells in a beehive. With its smooth-glass facade and full-height windows that fade from clear to white, it’s unsurprising that the 10-story edifice was once described by Vanity Fair as one of the world’s most attractive office buildings.