CONTEMPORARY NY
New York Architecture Images- Midtown

Mobil Building

architect

Harrison, Abramovitz

location

150, E42nd Street (full block between Lexington and 3rd Avenues)

date

1955

style

International Style II  

construction

45-storey building has a simple slab form, rising to the height of 174.5 m, set back from the street by lower-floor extensions. 
Although originally planned as brick-clad, the facade material was changed to aluminium and eventually to stainless steel in 7,000 panels with a three-dimensional treatment that gives the facade a "rusticated" effect, similarly to the same architects' Alcoa Building in Pittsburgh two years earlier, or the later Tishman Building in NYC. In addition to its aesthetic role and the developers' aspiration for a long-lasting facade treatment, the patterning has also a practical function: it prevents the facade plating from bending. 
The building is set on a three-storey base clad in blue glass, with retail spaces and through-building arcades. The lobby is vaulted, reflecting the arched entrances, and has white marble and terrazzo decor. 

type

Office Building

 

 

images

 

notes

 

contact

nyc-architecture.com