550 Madison Avenue, Postmodern skyscraper on Madison Avenue, Manhattan, United States
Description
550 Madison Avenue is a postmodern office tower in Manhattan featuring a distinctive pink granite facade with grand arched entrances. The structure spans the site between East 55th and 56th Streets, offering covered arcade passages on both sides that serve as public walkways.
History
Architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee designed this building in 1984 as the headquarters for AT&T. Construction required extensive blasting of bedrock to prepare the foundation for the tower.
Culture
The renovated lobby features the blue stone art installation 'Solid Sky' by Alicja Kwade, reflecting the building's commitment to contemporary art. This work shapes how visitors experience the public space and demonstrates the ongoing role of female artists in the building's cultural identity.
Practical
The building sits between East 55th and 56th Streets with easy public access through the arcade passages on both sides. Finding your way through the covered areas is straightforward thanks to the open layout and clear sightlines.
Did you know?
The structure combines steel tubes with concrete shear walls in an unconventional arrangement that avoids typical skyscraper setbacks. This engineering solution was necessary because of space constraints imposed by neighboring buildings.
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Philip Johnson designed buildings that brought together modernism and classical references, shaping how architecture developed through the 20th century. His work includes glass pavilions, office towers, public spaces, and cultural institutions. His designs show an interest in clean lines, reflective...
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