Design Reserach Project
Page 13
Public Contribution in High-Rise Building Design
@ New York City
Rockefeller Center : The City within the City
Rockefeller - The Classical Complex
The Contribution
II. Art Exhibition
As a planned modern community, an extensive art program was essential to Rockefeller Center. In order to give the project consistency and vitality, the theme "New Frontiers" was chosen for the entire art program. The theme was divided into four major phases
- Man's progress towards the civilization of today
- Man's development in mind and spirit
- Man's progress along physical and scientific lines
- Man's progress via industry and character of the nation
This permits participating artists a wide range of compatible subject material. Over 30 outstanding artists contribute well over 100 major works for the Center's art program, now considered one of the most interesting collections in America outside of the museums and government buildings.
According to the concept, the art works are placed in the public space. Therefore, New York pedestrians are able to see it. These beautiful art works emphasize the value of space with "context" that they contain. Visitors who come to Rockefeller not only just enjoy the space, or water features but they always stop and appreciate all the art works around the Center. There are some art works that are related to the urban design issues of the Rockefeller Center. With that role, those sculptures become very important icons to the center indeed.
1. Sunken Plaza - "Prometheus"

Executed in bronze and covered with gold leaf by Paul Manship, this Rockefeller Center Landmark stands 18 feet high and weights 8 tons. According to Greek mythology, Prometheus gave man fire and the arts it controlled. The mountain-like-pedestal at the base of the statue symbolizes the earth, while the circle containing the signs of the zodiac represents the heavens. The red Balmoral granite wall behind the statue bears a quotation from Aeschylus: "Prometheus, teacher in every art, brought the fire that hath proved to mortals a means to mighty ends."

Prometheus was a focal point for the visitors who walk into the Center from Fifth Avenue via the promanade. The Gold Sculpture was the icon that was picture taken by everybody who come to Rockefeller Center. Every important event of the Center was created around this sculpture. With the position, the craftsmanship and the emphasize from the environment around it, Prometheus became a symbol of Rockefeller itself many times. (pic: Events around Prometheus)
2. International Building - "Atlas"

Lee Lawrie's statue of "Atlas" was cast in bronze and weighs 14,000 pounds. The 15-foot figure rests on a 9-foot pedestal and is more than twice life size. Each out stretched arm measures 6 feet from shoulder to fingertip.

In Greek Mythology, Atlas was a brother of Prometheus and a Titan, the race of giants who warred against Zeus. After their defeat, the Titans were either imprisoned or penalized. Atlas was condemned to bear the world on his shoulders. In stead of the traditional globe, Mr. Lawries's Atlas bears a huge armillary sphere with the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its axis points to the North Star.

This sculpture was placed on the Fifth Ave. to be a focal point against the strong architectural style of St. Patrick's Church. According to the site plan of the center, the major axis was located between the 50th and 49th Street. St. Patrick's Church was located align to it. But to make some relations to the very important spiritual Space of New York City, the designer did a good job to create the minor symmetrical open space in front of International Building and between Palazzo d' Italia and International Building North. Furthermore they placed the Atlas which represented the strength to balance the commercial force of the Center with the strong spiritual force from the Church between the Fifth Ave. This open space makes way for the people to appreciate the beauty of the Church from another side of the street. At the same time, it also makes way for the people to realize the elegance of the Center from the Church side.

The major function of the art works is to give people who visit Rockefeller a choice to "look" at something at every spot they sit or stand. It's not just a plaza with the water fountain. But it contains some art works that they can appreciate. This concept of designing can hold the people to spend more time with this public space.