In 1930, New York was awash in glory and development, despite having just experienced a financial crisis. The Woolworth Building, the reigning tallest building since 1913, was threatened by two competitors: the Chrysler Building, by William Van Alen, and the Manhattan Bank Building, by H. Craig Severance.
Van Alen and Severance, former business partners, then competed for the title of tallest building. Severance secretly added floors to the Manhattan Bank Building, confident that he would surpass Van Alen. But Van Alen had a surprise: a secret 125-foot spire was added to the top of the Chrysler Building, making it taller than the Manhattan Bank Building.
Van Alen's victory was short-lived as the Empire State Building rose higher in 1931, claiming the title of world's tallest building for nearly four decades.
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai currently reigns as the skyscraper king, replacing Taipei 101 and the Petronas Towers. However, this title will soon be challenged by the Jeddah Tower, which is currently under construction and will be far taller than the Burj Khalifa.
The fascination with the tallest buildings has never waned. The question is, why are we still obsessed with the title?
According to philosopher Christopher Michaelson, skyscrapers symbolize modern strength and values, representing technological and industrial progress. For countries seeking to demonstrate economic progress, building the tallest building becomes a symbol of coveted achievement. More than just structures, the tallest buildings reflect the ambition, innovation, and economic power of a country in the modern era.
Since ancient times, humans have been driven to build taller and larger structures, and skyscrapers are the latest evolution of this tradition.
Pyramids, cathedrals, and even Frank Lloyd Wright's design for The Illinois Mile-High, a mile-high skyscraper, all demonstrate humans' desire to reach skyward and build structures that signify strength, status, and progress.
This drive continues to push the boundaries of architecture and transform urban landscapes. New buildings continue to emerge, changing our perception of what is considered "tall. What once seemed extremely tall now feels ordinary due to the presence of taller buildings.
As architectural historian Rosemarie Haag Bletter said, "Yesterday's skyscrapers are becoming today's smaller commercial buildings. What was once extraordinary is now commonplace.
The desire to build taller reflects humanity's ambition to achieve greater and better things, and it is likely to continue to inspire innovation and progress in the future.
Source: JSTOR DAILY
