AT&T Building

Definition

The AT&T Building, also known as 550 Madison Avenue, is a landmark skyscraper in New York City, designed by architect Philip Johnson and completed in 1984. It is celebrated for its distinctive postmodern style, which combines classical architectural elements with modern materials, featuring a prominent chiseled top that resembles an archway. This building represents a significant shift in architectural design, as it embraced historical references and ornamentation in a time dominated by minimalism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AT&T Building was originally constructed as the headquarters for AT&T but has since been transformed into a mixed-use building.
2. Its design features a distinctive pediment at the top, which contrasts sharply with the sleek lines typical of modernist skyscrapers.
3. The building's facade is clad in pink granite, making it one of the few major skyscrapers in New York to use this material extensively.
4. The AT&T Building's design sparked debates about the role of ornamentation in architecture and helped pave the way for future postmodern projects.
5. In 2007, the building was sold to Sony Corporation and rebranded as the Sony Building, further illustrating its adaptability to changing commercial needs.

Review Questions

• How does the design of the AT&T Building reflect the principles of postmodern architecture?
  • The AT&T Building reflects postmodern architecture through its use of historical references and ornamentation, showcasing a departure from modernist minimalism. Its chiseled top and classical elements challenge the stark simplicity often associated with modern structures. By integrating decorative features and employing traditional materials like pink granite, the building embodies a playful yet critical approach to architectural design that celebrates context and historical styles.
• Discuss the impact of Philip Johnson's design choices for the AT&T Building on the perceptions of urban architecture during its time.
  • Philip Johnson's design choices for the AT&T Building significantly altered perceptions of urban architecture by reintroducing ornamentation and historical references into a landscape dominated by minimalist designs. The striking pediment and robust materials captured public attention and sparked discussions about aesthetic values in urban environments. This shift encouraged other architects to explore similar approaches, leading to a resurgence of interest in contextual and decorative elements within city skylines.
• Evaluate how the AT&T Building serves as an example of contextualism within postmodern architecture and its relevance to contemporary design debates.
  • The AT&T Building exemplifies contextualism by harmonizing with its urban setting while asserting its distinct identity through bold architectural features. Its design not only acknowledges historical styles but also interacts with its immediate environment, reflecting the cultural and social dynamics of New York City. This relevance continues in contemporary design debates, where architects balance innovative aesthetics with contextual sensitivity, highlighting the importance of integrating new structures within existing urban frameworks while honoring historical narratives.

Related terms

Postmodernism: An architectural movement that emerged in the late 20th century, characterized by a departure from the austerity of modernism, embracing eclectic styles, ornamentation, and historical references.

Philip Johnson: An influential American architect known for his role in popularizing modern architecture and postmodernism, particularly through his works such as the AT&T Building and the Glass House.

Contextualism: An architectural approach that emphasizes the relationship between a building and its surrounding environment, considering cultural, historical, and social contexts in design.