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objectimpermanence t1_j59sq0m wrote

An architect could probably describe it better, but I always assumed it was some kind of post-modern take on a crown.

Many taller buildings have a crown to give the building a more distinctive appearance. What you see on 99 Hudson is a very simple and streamlined way of suggesting a crown while also maximizing salable space.

It also gives the upper floors full walls of glass to maximize the views. By the way, glass walls can be more expensive than partial glazing. So what they did in the upper part of the building might not have actually been intended as a cost cutting measure. The stone used on the lower parts of the building is just a veneer and probably not as expensive as you might think.

30 Hudson, on the other hand, has a more elaborate crown. What looks like the upper ~10-15 floors is mainly just a facade used to make an architectural statement and to hide mechanical equipment. The actual top floor of that building is a good 100+ feet from the top of the structure. It’s more obvious when you look at the building at night.

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flapjack212 t1_j5jxw83 wrote

i was specifically told that all floors have the same size windows and that upper floors are not full glass view. i asked maybe 4-5 times, i even specifically asked why it looks like that from the outside then, they said behind the glass is still a load bearing wall

when i asked why it was done this way they said it was purely aesthetic / design to have it duo-tone

i trust sales agents as far as i can throw them, and they never showed me any of the upper floors, but just sharing what i was told

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