Exterior

The exterior (figure 12) of the Chrysler building is breathtaking. An arched spire sheathed in stainless steel, the eagle gargoyles, and punctuated with triangular shaped windows gives this well-known skyscraper a highly dramatic appearance.

Figure 12: The Exterior of the Chrysler

First of all, the shining metal of its exterior includes not only story high basket weave designs but also enormous hood ornament gargoyles and a band of abstract automobiles. The eagle gargoyles at the corner of the setbacks are located on the 59^th floor (figure 13), and the winged radiator caps at the 31^st level (figure 14). It gives the building an impressive profile. Many elements were taken from actual Chrysler automobile products.

Figure 13: Eagle Gargoyles Figure 14: Radiator Cap Gargoyles

In addition, one of the most distinctive features of the Chrysler building- is the spire on the top of it(figure 15). It’s the Van Allen’s most striking feat of showmanship- 27 –tone still spire, which pushed its height to 1,046 feet. The spire secretly assembled inside of the building, was hoisted through the top aperture to the amazement of onlookers. The stainless steel- spired crown based on Chrysler automobile ornaments, built from Krupp Enduro KA-2 Nirosta stainless steel. At night its florescent crown glows bright, illuminating the distinctive design and creating an unforgettable symbol and spectacle.

Figure 15: The Spire of the Chrysler Building

Date: 2015-01-11; view: 1031