This slender, elegant skyscraper is the headquarters of the Hearst Corporation, one of the world's largest publishers of monthly magazines, with more than 300 international titles, like Cosmopolitan, Elle, Esquire, Marie Claire, etc.
But, in addition to its specific diamond reticle and photogenic glass offices, the Hearst Tower features a fascinating history.
Interestingly, the building was started over 80 years ago, in 1928. It was designed by the Austrian, Joseph Urban, but the Great Depression in 1929 brought the project to a complete halt. In fact, little was built, which is currently the base of the skyscraper you can admire today. Do not forget to look at its figures on the outside of this base: they are very theatrical. That is because Joseph Urban was not only an architect, but also a set designer.
More than 70 years later, the project was taken up by Norman Foster, a renowned architect featuring works such as the Beijing International Airport, Wembley Stadium and London's City Hall, among others. But, coincidences of life, Foster himself was submitting his models on 11 September 2001, the day of the attacks on the Twin Towers. Obviously, everything came to a standstill. But, fortunately a little later, Hearst approved the project and, in 2003, construction of the Hearst Tower began, in order to be opened in June 2006, just a month after the opening of Tower 7 of the New World Trade Centre, that, eventually, got the title of being the first skyscraper to be built in New York after the tragic 9/11.
With 46 floors and 182 metres, the Heart Tower is not particularly noted for its height in a city like this, but for being the first totally green skyscraper in New York. Yes, it is a smart green building. It is interesting to note that Tower 7 of the New World Trade Centre is as well, but only in areas that have to do with the outside. Instead, the Hearst Tower is a green building throughout.
For example, the arrangement of its grid manages to use 20% less material and, on the other hand, consumes up to 26% less than others of a similar size. In fact, it even collects rainwater to be reused in the cooling of the building, to water the plants and for the waterfalls that surround the long escalators you will see in the lobby.
As you can see, the Hearst Tower was one of the first skyscrapers after 9/11, the first green skyscraper inside and out, the first skyscraper by Norman Foster in Manhattan and the first skyscraper to receive a LEED Gold certificate in 2006 for its environmental features. That is, a true icon of the city and of architecture, of course.
In addition to photographing it from a distance, come and get in to admire its interior. The entire bottom is completely open and reveals the structure supporting the building. At the very least, this is quite interesting.
Finally, as a standard in all new skyscrapers of the city, come to admire it at night. It looks like a gem trapped in a diamond mesh, placed on a terracotta pedestal, as if exhibited in a museum. It is spectacular.
