In some countries yes but not the US, having a BMU, vs having removable davits that can support the “bucket” that holds the window washers, vs just having people scale the building is dependent on 2 factors, the want of the client to pay for one of the 3 options, or the area that needs to be washed.
Because there is not much surface area on this building to clean in terms of windows, the developer opted for just having people scale the building to clean it. Tall buildings are almost always mandated to have BMUs or the removable davit system, there is never an instance where a tall building will only be using people scaling it (in the US).
Great video, thanks. Learning about the historical context of the Chelsea neighborhood AND the Architectural design of the Cortland made for some interesting viewing.
If ever there was a building that epitomizes the timeless architectural principals of Beauty, Usefulness & Solidity - it is the Cortland. The Vitruvian Triad is clearly a guiding principle at RAMSA.
My favorite feature is the dark colored Steel beams and window casings with the hard/smooth surface steel beams embellished with the delicate feature of small round rivet heads. There is a lot of rich visual details on this building facade to delight the eye.
Here is my previous comment on this thread with a photo of the window frames…enjouy.
The Vitruvian Triad – How It Established The Foundations Of Good Architecture – ArchInspires. Excerpt - De Architectura,deemed as the only treatise on architecture to have completely survived the holocaust of antiquity date to around 27 BCE. By Roman architect Vitruvius, this multi-volume work is regarded as “the first book on architectural theory” , whose popular regard is substantiated with the content itself: a myriad of subjects on architecture from aesthetics to materials to building adequates. Through his work, Vitruvius identified three principles of architecture known as the Vitruvian Triad: firmitas – firmness, utilitas – utility and venustas – beauty. These three underlying bases “remain the essential components of all successful structural designs” , shaping the foundations of good architecture today.
Walking past this new condo building the other day I noticed a nice looking detail on the facade: it looks like solid bronze, and I think it is a light fixture.
This building is a feast for the eye; the more you look at it - the more your notice and enjoy. One of the finest new additions to the Chelsea neighborhood.
Whatever the material, or purpose: it adds beauty to that facade.
The sighting got me thinking about the “value of architectural ornamentation”. I decided to ask Grok for the IA take on the subject.
Question to Grok: Tell me the value of Architectural ornamentation.
Answer from Grok:
Architectural ornamentation holds both practical and symbolic value across different cultures and historical periods. Here are some key aspects of its value:
Aesthetic Enhancement:
Visual Appeal: Ornamentation adds beauty and detail to buildings, making them more visually pleasing and engaging. This can enhance the cultural or artistic value of a structure.
Character and Identity: Ornamental features give buildings a distinctive character, often reflecting the architectural style or period, thus contributing to the identity of a place or culture.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
Storytelling: Many ornamental elements tell stories or represent myths, historical events, or religious beliefs, serving as a form of narrative art.
Preservation of Craft: Ornamentation often involves traditional craftsmanship, preserving and showcasing skills that might otherwise be lost.
Functional Aspects:
Scale and Proportion: Ornamentation can help define the scale of a building and integrate it with its surroundings by breaking up large masses into more human-scale elements.
Light and Shadow Play: Intricate designs can create interesting patterns of light and shadow, which can be both functional (like in ventilation) and aesthetic.
Social and Psychological Benefits:
Community Pride: Buildings with ornate details can become landmarks or points of local pride, fostering community identity or civic pride.
Human Experience: Ornamentation can enhance the experience of space, making environments more welcoming or stimulating, influencing human behavior, and mood.
Economic Value:
Tourism: Ornate architecture can attract tourists, contributing to local economies.
Property Value: In many instances, detailed ornamentation can increase the perceived or actual value of property.
Environmental Interaction:
Integration with Nature: Some ornamentation, like gargoyles or decorative gutters, can serve practical purposes like water drainage while also blending architectural and natural elements.
However, there are also critiques or considerations:
Cost and Maintenance: Ornamentation can be expensive to create and maintain, sometimes leading to debates about practicality, especially in modern architecture where simplicity might be prioritized for economic or structural reasons.
Over-decoration vs. Under-decoration: There’s a balance to strike; too much ornamentation might be seen as excessive or distracting, while too little can be perceived as lacking warmth or character.
In summary, while the value of architectural ornamentation can be debated in terms of architectural philosophy, it undeniably enriches the built environment with layers of beauty, meaning, and functionality. Its worth is multifaceted, touching on aesthetic, cultural, economic, and social dimensions.
On ornamentation—. Frank Lloyd Wright and the Chicago School often used beautiful ornamentation. One of the finest examples is the late nineteenth century Wainwright Building in St. Louis by Adler and Sullivan, two of the greatest architects ever in the US. The Wainwright is an early example of steel frame building technology and one of the most important buildings in American architectural history. Here are a couple of images from the Wikipedia entry for the building.
Also, they just don’t MAKE THEM like they Used to…
Caution: falling limestone slabs on The Cortland!
To be fair - maybe that slab was removed to get at some underlying defect that needs repair. My guess is that it is rain water seeping in through the facade. However, it is also possible the slabs a falling off; which could be a harbinger of more to come. Thinking of the facade issue with falling tiles at 77 Greenwich Street.
Whatever it is, it is some sort of defect regarding the ‘solidity/firmness’ of this NEW building. I think this calls for a revision of my VitruvianTriad rating for The Cortland. Beauty - 9/10 Usefulness - 8/10 Firmness/Solidity - 5/10 (aka-construction quality)
