Chrysler Building
Architectural Components

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Vocabulary
skeleton frame system of construction- building a structure by creating a steel frame hanging glass, steel, or stone panels on the outside.
columns-
A tall post or pillar shaped like a cylinder, used as a support in or around a building or for decoration.
beams-
A long , horizontal piece of wood or metal shaped for use, as in the frame of a building or ship. 
cantilevers-
A beam, slab, or similar structure firmly anchored at one end to a pier or wall, the other end extended free in space.
truss-
A braced framework or support, as for a roof.
Built on a heavy steel frame the Chrysler Building was constructed at a rate of 4 floors per week and was covered on the outside by white and gray glazed bricks. It is worth noting that no one was killed during the construction of this skyscraper despite the pace of building it. True to the culture of the time this structure was in the popular style, Art Deco. Well known for its use of this geometric style, the Chrysler Building's ornamental tower uses the unusual and distinctive features seen on Chrysler cars. In addition, on the 61st floor each corner is decorated with copies of the Chrysler hood ornaments which were eagles. Often referred to as " radiant sunbursts" the top of this building looks like a series of crowns. 
The Chrysler Building has triangular shapes on the crown. It is a symbol of New York City and one of the buildings that revolutionized cityscapes. Skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building also helped with overcrowding because they take up small ground spaces. The invention of steel allowed the skeleton frame system of construction. Since the skeleton would carry the weight of the building, very thick walls were no longer needed, and they could now build taller buildings. Columns, beams, cantilevers, and trusses are used together to support the building. The Chrysler Building kept the idea of the steel skeleton but divided it into two sections; the inner and the outer core. The inner tube is made of concrete. Concrete was chosen because of its tremendous strength and keeps the building stable during strong winds. This is where the elevator stairs and mechanical systems are located. The outer tube has offices, and is covered by stone. The walls do not support the building. This skyscraper is one of the most universally admired by architects. The Art Deco style is characterized by thin, tall forms with geometric patterns and curved surfaces. The Chrysler Building is considered a masterpiece. The eagles, near the top of the building are more like gargoyles seen in Gothic Cathedrals. The Chrysler Building is not one of the tallest structures in the world, but it is the most spectacular.

http://www.fuggire.it/Galleria/newyork-foto/02-Chrysler-building.jpg

Drawing by Vivian