Office Building for Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation : proposal / Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, 1956

Collection context

Creator:
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Extent:
1 item
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

A 1956 proposal drafted by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill for the Union Carbide Building, a historically significant, mid-twentieth century office tower located at 270 Park Avenue, just north of Grand Central Station. The proposal consists of reproductions of plan and elevation drawings and photographs of the Union Carbide model, together with outline specifications, cost estimates, and construction and drawing schedules.

Biographical / historical:

Founded in 1936, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) pioneered modern architecture – in form, materials, and construction processes – in the United States, ultimately becoming one of the largest and most prolific international firms in history. They specialize in high-end commercial architecture. Designed by Gordon Bunshaft and Natalie de Blois, the Union Carbide Building was one of SOM's early iconic commercial office towers. Next to Lever House, also on Park Avenue and also designed by Bunshaft and de Blois, the Union Carbide is one of SOM's most historically significant buildings in New York.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is available for use by appointment in the Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For further information, please email avery-drawings@library.columbia.edu.

Location of this collection:
300 Avery Hall
1172 Amsterdam Ave.
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers are encouraged to request materials at least one month in advance. You will receive an email from the department within 2-3 business days confirming your request and currently available appointment times. Requests are limited to 8 boxes per day (or equivalent), with a maximum of 5 boxes for off-site materials, 5 folders of drawings, or 5 rolls or tube boxes.
Contact:
avery-drawings@columbia.edu