For over 150 years, metal building structures have been successful in serving as factories, warehouses, and iconic landmarks worldwide. Steel has been an essential building material for all types and sizes of buildings worldwide since the Industrial Revolution.
What’s the History?
During the Industrial Revolution era in the United States, the construction and manufacturing industries experienced significant growth. Americans always desire new technologies and goods. This caused businesses to build new factories that could produce an overwhelming amount of goods.
Soon, manufacturers discovered an inexpensive way to produce large quantities of steel. This led to metal building structures that have proven steel’s durability. Keep reading for a list of 5 of the most famous and recognizable metal building structures in the United States.
Empire State Building
When you ask most people to name an iconic building, the Empire State Building in New York City is the first place that comes to mind. Built in 1931, the 103-story (1454 feet) skyscraper held the title as the tallest structure in the world for 40 years. The building weighs 365,000 tons, with 57,000 tons being the massive steel frame. The massive structure has an intricate, art-deco design, which demonstrates that steel can be beautiful as well as industrial.
Steel House
The Steel House located in Lubbock, TX, is designed by the famous steel sculptor, Robert Bruno. Bruno created the house because he wanted to know what it would be like to live inside one of his steel sculptures. Bruno spent 23 years working on the home. Unfortunately, he died before he could complete it. The Steel House is a dome-shaped building, constructed from 110 tons of steel. It has the reputation of being one of the most unique steel buildings ever.
The Sears Tower
The Sears Tower, also known as the Willis Tower, is in Chicago, Illinois. The skyscraper was built in the 1970s using several smaller structures to help support it from the bottom up. The primary reason to use steel in the construction was to ensure the building could withstand the harsh winds of Chicago.
Seagram Building
The Seagram Building is also a notable skyscraper in New York City. The German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe constructed it in Manhattan in 1958. His goal in creating the Seagram Building was to design a building that expressed simplicity and functionality in its appearance. Currently, the Seagram Building is home to various buildings and a restaurant.
U.S. Steel Tower
The U.S. Steel Tower, formerly the tallest building in Pennsylvania, is the most notable building on Pittsburgh’s skyline. The name represents the U.S. Steel Corporation that constructed the building. Also, it serves as a nod to the massive amount of steel used in the construction of the building. The U.S. Steel Tower has the largest roof of any structure with its height, and it was the first building to use liquid-fireproofed columns.
Below are 2 of the most famous and recognizable metal building structures throughout the rest of the world.
The Eiffel Tower
When it comes to famous metal buildings, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most well-known. The Eiffel Tower in Paris was built during the World’s Fair in 1889 and was the tallest building in the world for about 42 years. It is one of the most recognizable structures, but the builder intended it to be temporary.
In 1909, the structure’s use became necessary as a radio tower. The Eiffel Tower has proven that steel is so durable that even a temporary structure can withstand more than 125 years.
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is notable for being the tallest structure in the world. It was completed in 2009 after five years of construction. The 163-floor tower uses a bundled tube design to compensate for its massive height.
Steel: One of the Most Popular Building Materials in the United States
Steel remains one of the most popular building materials in the United States. It was the primary basis for the American Industrial Era and some of the world’s most famous metal-building structures. This included other massive structures, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Gateway Arch.
- The Brooklyn Bridge is over 130 years old. Pedestrians and vehicles use it as a bridge linking Brooklyn to New York City. The steel used by the builders was so thick that it took a decade to complete the construction of the bridge.
- The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, was built in 1963. It still looks the same as the day construction was completed. These two structures, as well as the notable buildings above, are a testament to the durability and flexibility of steel.
Contact Peak Steel Contractors today for a free estimate on your general contracting services. We guarantee that your metal building structures will be as durable as famous metal buildings. You can also visit us online for more information.