The Chrysler Building, an iconic Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, stands as a testament to both architectural ingenuity and the pioneering use of materials in construction. At 1,046 feet (319 meters), it remains the tallest brick building in the world with a steel framework. When completed in 1930, it briefly held the title of the world's tallest building, and its striking design continues to captivate admirers today.
A key element of the Chrysler Building’s distinctive aesthetic is its extensive use of bright "Nirosta" stainless steel, an innovative austenitic alloy developed in Germany by Krupp. This "18-8 stainless steel," composed of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, was used throughout the building’s exterior, including the window frames, ornaments, crown, and the needle that gives the skyscraper its signature tapering form.
Architect William Van Alen leveraged the reflective and corrosion-resistant properties of stainless steel to enhance the building’s Art Deco style. As architectural critic E.E. Thum observed, "The use of permanently bright metal was of greatest aid in the carrying of rising lines and the diminishing circular forms in the roof treatment, so as to accentuate the gradual upward swing until it literally dissolves into the sky." The gleaming metal not only contributed to the building's aesthetic but also ensured its longevity against the elements.
The Chrysler Building also played a crucial role in demonstrating the durability of stainless steel in architecture. Recognising its importance, the American Society for Testing Materials established an inspection committee in 1929 to monitor the performance of its stainless steel components. Every five years until 1960, experts examined the panels for signs of wear or corrosion. Their findings confirmed that the material had exhibited minimal deterioration, reinforcing stainless steel’s viability as a long-term architectural solution.
More than 90 years after its completion, the Chrysler Building remains a shining example of early skyscraper innovation. Its use of stainless steel set a precedent for future high-rise construction, proving that beauty and resilience could coexist in modern architecture. As one of New York City's most beloved landmarks, the Chrysler Building continues to reflect both the past and the future of architectural excellence.
At DSM we have been building our products from Stainless Steel since 1966, neary 60 years ago (at the time of this article). We know just how long lasting stainless steel is. So if you need a quote on your next project. whether it's a venue refurbishment in need of stainless steel bar sinks or a laboratory in need of stainless steel laboratory sinks, please get in touch for a bespoke quote.
Image:
English: Midtown, New York City, as viewed from Rockefeller Center.
Title: [View of New York City facing south from Wilbur A. Sawyer's Rockefeller Foundation office]
Description: In 1935 Dr. Sawyer was appointed director of the RF International Health Division. He discovered that his office in the newly built RCA Building at Rockefeller Center provided fine photo opportunities.
This image is a work of the National Institutes of Health, part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, taken or made as part of an employee's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain. (Wikimedia Commons)