Old Structures Engineering

The Tobacco Workers’ wagon passes in front of the camera during the 1887 Labor Day parade at Union Square:

We’re looking west across the north end of the square – the only recognizable landmark is the 1881 Century Building on the far...

Apparently the thing was a vaulted coffered ceiling.

The Equitable Life Assurance Building at 120 Broadway, 1915, where the lobby runs through the block from Broadway to Nassau Street:

And two terrible views of our lobby at 90 Broad Street, 1931, one with a bonus Peppa Pig balloon:

Too narrow to be an alley, too wide to be a seismic gap.

Art Nouveau, as an architectural style, is quite rare in New York, which is odd if you think about it. The style was popular in the 1890s and up to World War I, which is a period when NYC had an enormous building boom. You’d expect some link there. Instead, you have to search for any examples at all. I’m sure there’s a rational reason – or reasons – but maybe the answer is as...

We1 are pleased to announce that the Structural Engineers Association of New York has made it official: Donald Friedman is now an Honorary Member. The award comes as SEAoNY celebrates its 30th anniversary—which is particularly appropri...