The "Modern" Skyscraper, 1931

Author(s)/Creator(s)

Carol Willis

Document Type

Article

Date

Spring 1984

Keywords

William Lescaze, George Howe, Philadelphia Saving Fund Society, architecture, modernism, skyscrapers, International Style, William H. Jordy

Language

English

Disciplines

American Art and Architecture | Architectural History and Criticism | Architecture

Description/Abstract

This article details the history of The Philadelphia Saving Fund Society (PSFS) building, constructed through the partnership of William Lescaze and George Howe in 1932. The author argues the building to this day remains "modern", displaying complexity and a varitey of color and materials. The building is also, the author says, the first skyscraper designed in the International Style. The author also examines the PSFS in the context of other tall buildings of the period, usually described as belonging to the Art Deco style.

Additional Information

Part of the proceedings of the symposium "William Lescaze and the Rise of Modern Design in America", held at the Everson Museum, Syracuse, New York, on February 15th and 16th, 1984.

Recommended Citation

Willis, Carol. "The 'Modern' Skyscraper, 1931." William Lescaze and the Rise of Modern Design in America. Spec. issue of The Courier 19.1 (1984): 29-41.

Source

local input