The Chrysler Building, New York City, Art Deco Masterpiece

Statistics

• Constructed 1928-1930
• Height to spire - 318.9m (1,046ft)
• 77 floors
• Floor area 1,1950,000 sq ft (111,000 sq m)
• 32 elevators
• Designed by architect William Van Alen

The Chrysler Building is arguably the most endearing and distinctive buildings in New York City and after 80 years remains a favourite of many New Yorkers and skyscraper enthusiasts. It's original design drew inspiration from machine technology for the ornamental detail and architect William Van Alen incorporated abstract images of cars whilst dramatically drawing the observer to eight streamlined eagle head gargoyles which point out in four opposing directions across the city. The original design for the crown, which was supposed to be a sparkling glass crown, was said to be too costly. This boggles the mind when you consider that instead the Chrysler is capped with the most instantly recognisable and adored art deco crown in the world today which, along with the gargoyles, is able to send the observer off into the sci -fi world of Gotham City and superheroes.

The Chrysler Building was the tallest building in the world when it was completed until it was surpassed by the Empire State Building. It does however remain the world's tallest steel supported brick building and was built on the site of the city's largest beer brewery, the Bloomingdale Brewery. Initially it was intended to be an office development by real estate developer and former New York State Senator William H.Reynolds who sold the building to Chrysler as a result of the economic downturn before the building was redesigned. In other words, the Chrysler as we know it is a relic of the Great Depression, perhaps that is why the gargoyles were incorporated - historically they were used to scare off harmful spirits.

The Chrysler building's design pushed boundaries when it was designed and for many it is a building which has style that has still not been surpassed even in today's skyscraper abundant world. This is summed up wonderfully by the cheek of Chrysler, who it was reported instructed his builders to make sure they built the highest toilet in Manhattan so that he was "able to sit on his porcelain throne and shit on Henry Ford and the rest of the world. "