Architect Breaks Down The Evolving Skyscrapers Of New York | Architectural Digest

Michael Wyetzner of Michielli + Wyetzner Architects returns to AD, this time breaking down five of the most common skyscraper styles dotting the New York City skyline. From set back 'wedding cakes' to the supertall buildings of the future, Michael gives expert insight on the different skyscraper styles that coalesce into one unforgettable view.
Director: Alice Roth
Director of Photography: Ben Dewey
Editor: Ron Douglas
Hosted By: Michael Wyetzner
Producer: Skylar Economy
Associate Producer: Landrie Hatcher
Production Manager: Melissa Heber
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Camera Operator: Brittany Berger
Audio: Brett Van Deusen
Production Assistant: Ryan Coppola
Post Production Supervisor: Alexa Deutsch
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Assistant Editor: Ben Harowitz
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[@thomasdurant7907]

I appreciate that he doesn't ignore the issues with these buildings, but doesn't let it turn into a side track.

[@writershard5065]

@@duncanbeggs5515 I wish more people had this kind of simple wisdom. It's okay to acknowledge the important flaws in the things you like. That doesn't make you a bad or a dumb person, if anything quite the opposite is true. It also allows you to be more self-aware, which is always an important quality for any of us to have.

[@lagritsalammas]

I lovelovelove any AD videos curated and narrated by Michael Wyetzner so I couldn't have clicked on it any faster.

[@menthols247]

Same❤

[@colinfoster5943]

Same!

[@kiamartin3704]

Me too he’s the best for an architecture student needing to explain crits in a professional way

[@rentaltoast2201]

yep they need to give him his own dedicated series

[@LyndseyMacPherson]

same!

[@moorganleigh]

Michael Wyetzner is bay far my favorite architect on this channel! I could listen to him teach me about buildings all day long.

[@BlueSaphire70]

I agree!

[@peretspli7546]

and night...

[@aholguin618]

Please, please, please AD I'm begging you more videos from Michael Wyetzner! This guy is so insightful. As per his last line here about what other cities, I'm biased but would love to see some New England cities. Boston and Providence are obviously much smaller than NYC or Chicago but have such a rich history and tons of cool buildings to explore.

[@myobee9875]

Yes, the John Hancock tower adds so much to the Boston skyline, but there are (were?) so many lovely old buildings in Boston. I used to be in there every day but it's been years. I don't like modern architecture. London's old buildings would make another fantastic video.

[@aholguin618]

@@myobee9875 I used to work in the Hancock tower years ago as well! I agree the older buildings are so much more aesthetic

[@west43rdst6]

Michael I could listen to you talk about NYC architecture all day.

[@pn4960]

What about a podcast!

[@khaledbenaida5676]

Same here

[@Lord_Horker]

The Super Talls are objectively terrifying you couldn’t pay me to live in one of those

[@andrewbrendan1579]

Same here. No way would I live or work in one of those super-talls. Too there's a novel from 1984 called "Skyscraper" and it's about a New York skyscraper that is too thin and too tall and things go horribly wrong. It's a well-researched book; there's even mention about how part of the building's trouble was that the concrete hadn't been mixed enough or didn't get poured at the right time. I don't recall the details, but "Skyscraper", though not well-known, is a page-turner of a book.

[@michaelmichniak127]

I am not terrified of them as much as I feel they are just a waste of space. The amount of room the elevators need to take people to these small high floors will eat up much of the floor plan. Plus for emergency's they will need stairwells too!

[@diogosoaresmendes]

Michael Wyetzner's expert insight on the various skyscraper styles in New York City is truly captivating. The video offers a fascinating perspective on the city's architectural evolution, from classic 'wedding cake' designs to the innovative supertall buildings. Thank you for providing such an engaging and educational experience that deepens our appreciation for NYC's iconic skyline.

[@kyleredzinak5206]

I am an architect in training and have been to Nyc 3 times and I am obsessed. I am taking my wife in a few weeks and I can’t wait to show her around and give her so many facts! Thanks AD for another great video! I love how much architecture is a part of a city’s story.

[@Masood1810]

I hope you two have a great time there and best of luck with your career!

[@phillhunt1655]

Getting to New York and doing an architectural tour is a dream of mine. I wonder if Michael is looking for a side gig taking tours.😄 Enjoy your architectural career.

[@CornyBum]

In case you don't know already, check out Open House New York. There are lots of events throughout the year that explore architecture among other aspects of the city via spaces both public and private. Its annual event opens up a bunch of buildings/spaces that are normally closed to the public for an interesting look.

[@giannabarbee]

I really hope this guy gets his own podcast or youtube channel, listening to him teach art and architecture history is so fascinating

[@Adamsbrown81]

YES! AD give me all the Michael Wyetzner videos you can make. I love hearing this man so eloquently and passionately explain these things.

[@vladeckk21]

Love Michael's breakdowns - they are so clear and full of enthusiasm. I'd like to see a series like this for ALL US cities - sort of a grand tour. We hear so much about NY, SF, & Chicago, but when you drive around the country, there's lots more to see.

[@craigcook9715]

The Transamerica Pyramid building in SF is almost as iconic of the city as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Cable Cars. Alas, some of even the newest buildings are being abandoned. The Salesforce Tower, only a few years old (from 2018), is now being entirely left by its namesake tenant (owner as well? IDK).

[@eduardvandijk3431]

Yesssss , more of this type of NY videos! Less celebrity houses.

[@maniatikoleal]

I just love this guy. Please give him more skylines he should explore so he can entertain us (and also learn more). 100/10. Great content. Just keep it coming!

[@grahamhufton7715]

like how Chicago snuck into this video.

[@fstopclick37]

I would like to see your presentation on London's skyline considering its long history as well as all the new construction needed post WW2. Thanks. 🏢

[@Sinstat]

There’s not that many super tall buildings

[@fstopclick37]

@@Sinstat Height really isn't that important regarding the overall interest in the many styles and architectural examples in the London skyline which can make for a very interesting presentation.

[@juliancoquelet2654]

i have pneumonia rn and micheal wyetzner just made my day better

[@ceva321]

Thank you, I loved your delivery and explanations, I never knew so much about the these towers and I'm a native New Yorker ❤

[@Totallyfine29_]

I could watch him talk about NYC all day, AD please continue with the skyline series, the best content so far!!

[@mrmartywaring]

These architectural videos are refreshing!!

[@xuten]

MY GOD THIS SERIES IS GOLD. THANK YOU FOR THIS

[@Francois_L_7933]

I remember hearing Phyllis Lambert, daughter of the founder of Seagram (Samuel Bronfman) talk about when her dad wanted to build a NYC headquarter. At the time she was studying to become an architect and suggested that he get Mies van der Rohe as she believed he was the best architect of the time 😎

[@jpp7783]

Yes, and she had to fight (hard) to have him appointed. At the time no one understood him and his style. It was just too odd. I think Mies’ crowning achievement was the TD towers in Toronto, built in 1964 to 1969, completed the year of Mies’ death.

[@pamelawollenberg3594]

LOVING THIS SERIES! Clear, simple explanations of appreciated buildings. I could watch this architect all day. Terrific series!

[@marquamfurniture]

I love this Series. Michael Wyetzner's illustrated talks are so good....And this one was exceptional. Never before have I been made aware of the nuances and beautiful details of the Empire State Building. Kudos!!

[@dcoughla681]

Michael Wyetzner’s videos are the best on this channel. I could watch them all day long. Hopefully, he can travel to other cities in the US and around the world. Keep ‘em coming, AD. No more celebrity homes, please. They’re becoming a joke.

[@seattlebeard]

Thank you for bringing Michael Wyetzner back. What a treat! :o) I think he underplayed the maintenance issues at 432 Park. The residents have horror stories that are very fun to read if, like me, you think it's an eyesore.

[@leokimvideo]

Sad the set back rules were altered. Set backs created a far more interesting looking skyscraper. The glass wall style sadly all looks the same.

[@BrandonGiordano]

You can see the style making a comeback

[@Gobbersmack]

The video should be titled "Devolving skyscrapers of new york"

[@2Howl]

The glass wall style was gorgeous when it was unique and set amidst a sea of steel & concrete structures such as the empire state building. But after seemingly every building adopted that style, it started to look bland.

[@jdtubaman]

He did a great job of telling why the setback rules were changed, and how they made way for plazas. Either way, they are "set back".

[@marinedrive5484]

The Seagram building is a favourite of mine. Yes, its form is a simple monolith, but its detailing and the open plaza in front make it an elegant building. The super slender and super tall building just looks wrong; I'm not surprised that it is having maintenance issues. London would be an interesting city to dissect as the architects have come up with some unique and in some cases controversial designs: the Walkie-Talkie or Death Ray building, was so-called because its reflection was initially melting objects at ground level, also the Cheesegrater and the Shard; again colloquial names referencing the building's appearance.

[@elliothoover8299]

Chicago next!

[@LoisAGrimm]

My son, who is an architecture student, introduced me to this series and while I love listening to many of the architects featured, Michael Wyetzner is my favorite. Not only does he do a fabulous job explaining technical aspects, he brings his expertise into the real world by highlighting the issues with different architectural styles and movements.

[@girlperson1]

I love art deco architecture.

[@TrainsFerriesFeet]

I could listen to you speak about NYC skyscrapers and the subway all day.

[@akhillmufc19]

Michael Wyetnzer is my second dad at this point

[@superfund42]

Can we please have a whole show (or series) about the buildings that this guy himself has designed? I think he's earned it :)

[@vincentgoupil180]

Agree, good idea but until then *Michielli + Wyetzner Architects* *Micheal Wyetzner: Bio* Various paintings online

[@jenniferadams7582]

I recently uncovered a special interest in architecture after watching your video on NYC subway (trains are my main thing). I have been watching a bunch of your (and others on this channel) videos and I appreciate the level of depth you go into while not being overwhelming to a newcomer with zero architecture knowledge. Very approachable.

[@drakewauters2109]

Love the commentary about surplus residences almost no one uses while most people have trouble finding places to live.

[@loverrlee]

This is the most interested I’ve ever been about anything in New York. Normally I find this kind of architecture painfully boring, but you made it interesting. Thank you.

[@Emthe30something]

16:06 All of them. All the skylines. I love these. So well presented, edited, put together.

[@edgarrodriguez8973]

Another perfect skyline to explore: Chicago. Greetings from Bogota

[@wilsonsmom411]

Another great video, also props to NYC for incentivizing builders to create the open plazas that really open up the urban canyons.

[@pn4960]

I’d love an architecture themed podcast with this gentleman.

[@AwesomeCheeseMaster]

Break down a history of SOM! They have such an interesting catalog of buildings.

[@jerrytwolanes4659]

Thank you Michael! Although more may not be better in buildings, more of you sure is better! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and love of architecture

[@RingoLoadagain]

Another great video from Michael. I'm glad he mentioned how lame it is that all these amazing apartments sit empty, because all it does is raise the prices for everything around it, which ripples outward, and before you know it the whole city is prohibitively expensive to live in, which is happening right now!

[@nikisuc]

This type of videos is the best one about the architecture! I have not been in New York 14 years. And after this video I want to go there again!

[@juliacuthy]

He does it again. Thank you Mr. Wyetzner for sharing your knowledge and passion with us!! -a FL girl living her NYC architecture dream with each video

[@moonwalker091000]

I am totally hooked on these videos!! They are so educational, interesting and easy to listen to. I have always LOVED the Empire State Building, its such an engineering marvel. I also love the new state of the art tall buildings and I really love how he breaks down the way they were built. I smile every time I listen to these videos. Thanks for sharing and please keep them coming :o)

[@andrewbrendan1579]

Thank you, Mr. Wyetzner, for this great lesson. I love buildings and it's great to learn more about them as it increases my not just my knowledge, but my appreciation and enjoyment. I wonder if the bronze color of the glass for the Seagram building was chosen because it matches the color of Seagram's whiskey. Not far from where I live in Indiana is a huge hole in the ground, partially filled with with water. It's called the Empire Hole and is where the limestone was quarried for the Empire State Building. On the campus of Indiana University (Bloomington) a new building was recently built and it's a Mies van der Rohe design from the 1950's. I love big buildings, but I'm still a small-town boy: I don't like being higher than the third floor! Last of all: I'd love a discussion of a building that never actually existed, but that I think is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen: the Glass Tower from the movie "The Towering Inferno".

[@vincentgoupil180]

Also wondered if the bronze facade was related to Seagram whiskey and if the bronze patina getting darker like whiskey aging was intentional ? A partial reason for the choice of bronze windows would be to reflect incoming sunlight. "Building Seagram" written by Phyliss Lambert, daughter of Samuel Bronfman founder of Seagram, who helped search for an architect resulting in Mies van der Rohe as the architect.

[@VisenyaTargaryen220]

I could listen to Michael Wyetzner talk for hours!

[@fekalistagrzybowory7619]

He explain it all so easily. Architecture is so interesting. Great video.

[@adamhaziqsalleh]

More and more video with Mr Wyetzner please. I like how he goes through each aspects and the way he explains things

[@JoannaLouise200]

I get vertigo just looking at some of these skyscrapers, but would still love to visit NY one day, and go straight to the top of the iconic Empire State Building!

[@MarkRadcliffe]

Used to only get my architecture content from The B1M, but Michael, you just made me a convert. 🏆

[@CapitalJ25]

I always learn great architectural design of New York City from Michael's videos! Superb job!!

[@BradThePitts]

Fun fact! 432 Park Avenue is not on Park Avenue.

[@queteimporta183]

THE KING IS BACKKKKKK

[@bruce1002003]

One problem with supertalls not mentioned is that the views actually suck. Unless you're standing right up to the window and looking downward, all you see is either sky during the day or pitch black at night.

[@ajgerbi]

He didn’t mention that in the video because it’s literally not true. There’s literally pictures and videos on the internet of the interior of these buildings and you can see the views from the windows in all of them without the camera needs to be up against the window and panning downwards.

[@bruce1002003]

@@ajgerbi It should have been obvious that I was referring to the upper floors, not the 7th floor. I've eaten at the old Windows to the World at the former WTC, the old Rainbow Room at Rock Center, the 95th at the John Hancock in Chicago; lived in, worked in and visited friends at the 70-75th+ floors in both NYC and Chicago buildings and when you're seated, ya can't see anything much more than sky. And all that was in real life, not in videos taken while standing.

[@Purplegreen45]

pitch black in the middle of Manhattan? LOL

[@bruce1002003]

@@Purplegreen45 Have your mom read what I wrote - v er y s l o w l y.

[@Purplegreen45]

@@bruce1002003 pitch black in the middle of Manhattan? bless your heart 🤭

[@dyl923gonz7]

AD's Architect breaks down series is one of my fave things on youtube

[@brmnyc]

Excellent presentation. I would love to see more about the original zoning law (triggered by the original Equitable Building downtown) that forced the setback style of skyscraper, culminating in the Art Deco masterpieces like the Empire State, Chrysler, and RCA Buildings. There is a well know series of sketches (I think by Hugh Ferris) that studied the massing of how such buildings could be designed in order to adhere to the law and yet reach what seemed to be limitless heights.

[@vincentgoupil180]

Besides Ferriss Mies van der Rohe's (Maria Ludwig Michael Mies) 1921 Friedrichstrasse Skyscraper Project rendition comes to mind.

[@ak11472]

Thank you for your interest broadcasts. Absolute deep respect for everyone, architects, workers, all those who built and made the city of New York the way it is, with their own, including unique New York skyscrapers, which cannot be confused with other skyscrapers in the world (but these last narrow high skyscrapers for billionaires, do not fit into the general picture of the city, including the general picture of the New York skyscrapers, and symbolize only the power of billionaires, financial elites over the rest people), but as also, of course, New York is not only these famous New York skyscrapers, but also city with other diverse architecture, diverse culture, characters of Manhattan, Brooklyn and other parts of this city. We lived in New York City for 24 years and one of my favorite places of this city are: in Manhattan-Gramercy Park area, Upper and East of Manhattan, Greenwich Village, in Brooklyn- Greenpoint, Brooklyn Heights are and other, and after all this city always will be part of our, my life, the same native, with its pros and cons, but at the same time, there are various social and other problems in New York, and this city is so expensive for live for the most ordinary people, New Yorkers.

[@Harry_16710]

I learn so much in these short videos...love 'em! Thank you 🙏

[@DIETRICHCICCONE]

Excellent as always! I have to say, there is no way in hell I would want to live in one of those skinny buildings on 57th St - especially after hearing about the defects...

[@mikemykey325]

What an amazing video! Very interesting, entertaining, knowledgeable. Really enjoyed watching it with my kids. This is the type of videos I enjoy watching with my kids where they learn something and get inspired to be great in their own way. Definitely find architecture and it’s history interesting after watching this video.

[@boidesignstudio28511]

It's an amazing video. It provides me more understanding of the structure, details, and using materials for architectural skyscrapers in the US. One thing in this video that makes me feel interested in and have never noted that - "setback." Thank you!

[@vindesh17]

Love these videos, never stop doing them!

[@MontoyaGamer1_Entertainment]

0:24 That spite it's actually a Mooring Mast for airships to dock on top of the Empire State Building

[@ljtinney]

I get so happy every time I see there is a new one of these videos.

[@kellylipton]

I’d love to see an episode on the Barcelona skyline, as due to the mountains, a natural amphitheater-like shape is created by the city- crowned by the Church at Tibidabo overlooking the city- it’s such a spectacular view the different personalities of all the neighborhoods expressed through their architecture in one view…

[@Ez.cgreezy]

More Michael please!! I could literally sit in a 8 hour lecture with this guy and not be bored at all

[@aware5248]

As a native New Yorker who still lives there thank you for pointing out the shortage of housing in NY (which there is also a housing crisis and a lack of affordable housing) and how these buildings stay empty for most of the year. SO many developers are creating buildings that aren't filled with billionaires but clearly only create for folks with lots of money and those buildings are practically empty as well.

[@kennisme]

The way he explains it makes it so easy to follow, I only wish this video would’ve come out a few days ago so I would’ve done my homework based on this video i🥲 My presentation would’ve been so much better with this information 🥲

[@Matthutthe08]

I’m a huge fan of NYC buildings and I wish I had these videos before. You’re so great !!!!! Thank you for this channel 🎉

[@demven04]

This is a very interesting topic, my favorite! Thank you

[@not031]

great video, thanks AD

[@2Howl]

Would love to see videos about the skylines in Dubai, Shanghai, and London.

[@DavidTurner11]

14:44 Concrete Core** Cement is the mix used to make concrete; when you make bread you don't call it flour.

[@vincentgoupil180]

Good point. To his credit Wyetzner does say concrete 14:47 . Wonder who does the graphics ? Cement (hydraulic calcium silicate - think of kidney stones) is the binder or glue that holds the sand and gravel together when combined with lime for workability. Baking is an appropriate metaphor since concrete is poured like a cake mix into a form or pan with the resultant heat given off of the chemical reaction to bake the mixture. Btw, cement + water = grout

[@jessesea77]

I just want to say I love videos like this. Educational, informative and fun. I am less interested in celebrity houses, and expensive design… and more about the history and the why behind architecture.

[@esthergitimu8650]

this should be a series where architects break down different skylines in major cities, maybe even global.

[@ahsanmohammed1]

Thank you! Much appreciated.

[@jakobdees3489]

lovin this series!

[@jaybranches2733]

Love the video! Please do one on Brisbane, Australia. We have some of the tallest buildings in Australia - including some excellent Bauhaus structures!

[@mateo555youtube]

Please more of this video’s… amazing

[@williamhernandez3561]

Effing love this guy!

[@steini6771]

Just great! Thank you -

[@anthonyberardi3611]

Absolutely great video! I enjoyed it very much. Everything was wonderfully explained. I live in the Chicago area. A place where architecture enjoys great appreciation, I'm sure you're aware. I have to say, though, that I love the skyline of Detroit, MI. So much is going on there now, and much of her downtown structures were undoubtedly influenced by the 20th century details you've explained here. Very NY inspired. Please, please keep making your videos. Oh, and I love all the great terminology.

[@liastorm795]

I absolutely love architecture and learning the history behind it is always fun😊

[@emilytitch9162]

I need a video about the Taipei and Sydney city skylines!!!

[@amyyafengliu4845]

Love those skyscrapers in NYC!

[@crynolyn]

This is wonderful! Would love to hear about Chicago and Denver pretty please

[@itsjoekent]

Ty for pointing out the housing shortage and absurdity of these billionaires row buildings

[@_jennem_]

I truly love this channel.

[@IVWOR]

Дякую, як завжди цікаво та інформативно 👍

[@fvingerhoed]

Thank you. Very interesting

[@nanaokyere7141]

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe actually created the same similar buildings with an urban plaza in Toronto on Bay street (Canada's version of Wall street) and they're currently housed by the Toronto dominion bank.

[@theparallel8226]

Love these videos

[@mehtaverse]

Absolutely love these videos. You can learn so much about the history of New York City, one of the greatest cities in the world.

[@ericayala7387]

The greatest *😂

[@WillFaison]

i'll reiterate the previous comment: mr. wyetzner is terrific! make more videos with him--more of them and more often! we love this guy!

[@DraconicKobold]

this gives some great insight on how to make a skyscraper not look like a bland glass rectangle.

[@trikywu]

The Lever House on Park Ave is right across the street from my office. We thought they were preparing to demolish it (like so many buildings around us) because all floors have been emptied out and construction crews have inhabited it. Such a gorgeous mid-century modern building. Thankfully, they are refurbishing it. It's a stunning structure. We sit pretty at 399 with Lever house across the way and the Seagrams building next door.

[@pyrodoll2422]

Always fantastic content, thanks so much. Funny, I loved the Lever building, but the NYT left me cold.

[@mrki731]

Fascinating!!!