Citicorp Center | NYC skyscraper saved by a student’s question
Tyler Ley・7 minutes read
The Citicorp Center in Manhattan faced a structural flaw due to a design change, leading engineer William LeMessurier to address the issue covertly and make necessary repairs to prevent a potential catastrophe, which remained undisclosed for over two decades.
Insights
- Diane Hartley identified a crucial flaw in the Citicorp Center's design, revealing a potential collapse risk in strong winds, leading to a discreet repair operation conducted by LeMessurier over three months.
- LeMessurier's innovative solution to reinforce the building's stability with welded diagonal members, inspired by pine trees, showcases the importance of adaptability and creativity in addressing structural challenges, even in iconic architectural projects.
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Recent questions
What is the Citicorp Center?
A skyscraper in Manhattan, New York.
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Summary
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Citicorp Center: Design Flaw and Secret Repairs
- The Citicorp Center in Manhattan, New York, built in 1977 for about $880 million, was an iconic structure designed by architect Hugh Stubbins Jr. and engineer William LeMessurier.
- The original structural plan for the Citicorp Center had four major columns in the corners and one in the center, but due to a church's location, LeMessurier proposed moving the columns, leading to a new structural challenge.
- To support the building's edges and prevent excessive deflection, LeMessurier's team devised a unique solution inspired by pine trees, incorporating diagonal members to stabilize the structure against wind loads.
- An undergraduate student, Diane Hartley, discovered a critical flaw in the Citicorp Center's design, indicating a potential failure in a 70 mph wind scenario, prompting LeMessurier to admit his mistake and initiate repairs.
- LeMessurier's response to the structural issue involved welding the bolted connections of the building's diagonal members, conducting repairs discreetly over three months with a team of welders, public officials, and experts, keeping the situation confidential for over 20 years.
