Deconstructing The Empire State Building

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Landmark: Don't Change a Thing

By Iwona K. Hoffman

The Empire State Building held the title of the world's tallest building until the early 1970s, when it was surpassed first by the World Trade Center (at 416 meters), then by the Sears Tower in Chicago (at 443 meters), and later by the Petronas Towers in Malaysia (at 452 meters).

In 1972 Empire State Building Associates, then owner of the 102-story building, was thinking about adding 11 floors to the skyscraper to make it again the tallest in the world. Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, original architects of the Empire State Building, drew up exploratory sketches. The tower of the building (16 floors) was to be torn down. The six floors beneath were to be remodeled and encompassed within a new 33-story-tall glass structure. The building would have been 113 stories high.

Most architects today like the building the way it is and would not change much about it.

	Andrew Formichella A Form Architecture PC Major Projects:
"I wouldn't change anything about the Empire State Building. At the time of its inception the building was cutting edge in social, economic, technological and architectural trends. The ESB taught and proved many things to our society.... But I do like the idea of a giant gorilla climbing on it."
	Tad Sudol The Office of Thierry Despont, architectural firm Major Projects: Interior design for Bill Gates; Ralph Lauren flagship store in London; high-end residential architecture around the country
"The building is in good shape since it was finished in 1931 and once again it is the tallest building in New York, still a vivid symbol of prosperity. I especially like the lighting on the top, which changes seasonally and for different holidays. However, I would add some of the lighting to the main building shaft, which would accentuate the building in a much stronger way. And definitely the ground floor elevation needs some renovation, especially highly decorated Art Deco metal works."
	Krzysztof Bajda Independent architect; previously with Costas Kondylis & Partners LLP Architects Major Project: Trump World Tower in Manhattan
"The Art Deco Empire State Building was a marvel of design and construction when it was conceived, and is still a marvel today. I wouldn't change the exterior of the building. I would add a restaurant on one of the top floors of the building, though, to make the building even more attractive."

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