Engineers and architects have constructed stunning buildings in large cities around the world. To create these masterpieces, they had to use specific materials such as stainless steel. In fact, one of the interesting things you may not know about stainless steel is that it was used to construct many famous and recognizable buildings. Here are a fewfamous buildings that use stainless steel construction.
Sydney Opera House
Architects and engineers around the world admire the Sydney Opera House for its unparalleled and original design. Located in Sydney, Australia, this building is hard to miss. You’ll easily notice the large white sails on the top of the building that are curved into unique, fin-like shapes. Engineers chose to use stainless steel to create this magnificent building because the material is both durable and flexible.
Chrysler Building
If you visit New York City, you have to stop by the Chrysler Building. Constructed in 1930, the Chrysler Building was the tallest building in the world until engineers finished the Empire State Building the very next year. You can find stainless steel in many components of this building, including in the framework and ornamentation.
Empire State Building
Another skyscraper to visit in New York City is the Empire State Building. At 102 stories, it became the tallest building in the world for 40 years after its completion in 1931. To create this magnificent skyscraper, engineers needed a lot of stainless steel. In fact, the frame alone weighs 57,000 tons, and the total weight of the building is 365,000 tons.
This building is a popular destination for tourists, but it also provides office spaces for many well-known businesses, such as LinkedIn and Shutterstock. Because it has over 2.8 million rentable square feet, it even has its own ZIP code.
Sage Gateshead
Due to its unusual shape, the Sage Gateshead in the UK is often called “the Armadillo.” Constructed with glass and stainless steel, this shiny, reflective building became an iconic landmark in the UK. Today, the Sage is used for all types of events, from music concerts to political meetings. This building took eight years to complete, and it finally opened to the public in 2004.
Art Gallery of Alberta
Located in Edmonton, Canada, the Art Gallery of Alberta is one of the largest art galleries in the country. This building looks like it’s wrapped in a gorgeous, shiny metal ribbon. Engineers used stainless steel to make this metal “ribbon.” Again, because stainless steel is both flexible and durable, the engineers were able to bend it into unique shapes without breaking it. With over 6,000 pieces of artwork, the Art Gallery of Alberta is one of the best places to visit in Canada.
These are only a few famous buildings that use stainless steel construction. Today, many engineers continue to use stainless steel for many parts of their buildings. With stainless steel, these buildings will be able to last for many decades and remain in excellent condition.