THE NEW FACE OF ETHIOPIA

The 39-story Secretariat building was the first major International Style building to be constructed in New York.

The 39-story Secretariat building was the first major International Style building to be constructed in New York. The style has a simple, geometric form, and a glass curtain wall. The building does not have historical references and is meant to symbolize the bright, peaceful future ahead that does not linger in the past. The building’s green glass and Vermont marble shine in the sunlight. The International Style originated in Europe and had social and political implications associated with progressive, reform-oriented architects and patrons. The building site is highly visible and surrounded by open spaces, which makes it the only freestanding skyscraper in New York.

The plaque for Architects of the United Nations Headquarters is dedicated to the international team of architects under the direction of Wallace Harrison (USA).

Title

Architects of the United Nations Headquarters

Gift ID:

UNNY104G

The plaque for Architects of the United Nations Headquarters is dedicated to the international team of architects under the direction of Wallace Harrison (USA). This international committee of architects was called the United Nations Board of Design and was assembled in 1947 to execute the design of the buildings and the 18 acre campus. Architects from the founding nations came to New York to work in a collaborative, peaceful manner, rather than holding a typical architectural competition. Ten architects and numerous consultants started work on the plans for a new world headquarters in January 1947. The ten architects were N. D. Bassov (Soviet Union), Gaston Brunfaut (Belgium), Ernest Cormier (Canada), Charles Le Corbusier (France) Su-Ch’eng Liang (China), Sven Markelius (Sweden), Oscar Niemeyer (Brazil) Howard Robertson (United Kingdom), G. A. Soilleux (Australia), and Julio Vilamajo (Uruguay). The building was finished and occupied by the UN in 1952.

The final design was a blend of proposals, primarily merging Le Corbusier's "Scheme 23" and Oscar Niemeyer's "Scheme 32".

The final design was a blend of proposals, primarily merging Le Corbusier's "Scheme 23" and Oscar Niemeyer's "Scheme 32". The firm Harrison & Abramovitz was responsible for the construction.Would you like to know more about the specific design contributions of Le Corbusier or Niemeyer, or perhaps the history of the site selection?

The Board of Design Consultants (1947):

- Wallace K. Harrison (USA) - Director of Planning

- N. D. Bassov (Soviet Union)

- Gaston Brunfaut (Belgium)

- Ernest Cormier (Canada)

- Le Corbusier (France)

- Liang Seu-cheng (China)

- Sven Markelius (Sweden)

- Oscar Niemeyer (Brazil)

- Howard Robertson (United Kingdom)

- G. A. Soilleux (Australia)

- Julio Vilamajó (Uruguay)

The United Nations Headquarters in New York City, completed in 1952, was designed by an international committee of ten architects and planners known as the Board of Design Consultants, directed by American architect Wallace K. Harrison. The iconic complex, featuring the 39-story Secretariat, was a collaborative effort heavily influenced by key designs from Le Corbusier and Oscar Niemeyer.

The United Nations Headquarters in New York City, completed in 1952, was designed by an international committee of ten architects and planners known as the Board of Design Consultants, directed by American architect Wallace K. Harrison. The iconic complex, featuring the 39-story Secretariat, was a collaborative effort heavily influenced by key designs from Le Corbusier and Oscar Niemeyer.