The enduring architecture of the UN headquarters

The United Nations does not really need introduction, being the well known world body established to settle and sort out world disputes. The headquarters of the United Nation though located in New York is in fact international territory and does not officially belong to the United States. The plot of land was bought by John D. Rockefeller and then donated to the United Nations, upon which construction began towards the end of 1949 and was completed in 1950.



A multi national team of architects was appointed to design the building with the design of Le Corbusier finally being selected, well known as ‘Scheme 23A’, after which Oscar Niemeyer drew the final plan known as 23W was adopted by all.



This resulted in the now well known structure of the United Nations Headquarters, a complex that has four buildings, the Secretariat building, the General Assembly building, the Conference building and the Dag Hammarskjold Library.



Tours are available of the building, usually at half hourly intervals. For those really interested it is worth visiting as you get to see the Conference and Visitors Centre, General Assembly and Secretariat buildings. There is also a gift and souvenir shop for taking home gifts for family and friends.



In front of the United Nations Headquarters along 1st Avenue is a flag from each member of the UN, starting with the flag of Afghanistan and ending with Zimbabwe.



Owing to its location there are many attractions nearby such as the Daily News Building is a 37 story art deco building. It is most famous for the giant rotating globe that is in the lobby. It sits in a domed glass room with a map that is updated as necessary. There are clocks and thermometers that line the walls near the globe.



Another site worth visiting is the Chanin Building which is made of buff-brick it was constructed in 1929 and was one of the tallest buildings of its time. The owner Irwin Chanin described the building as an ‘architectural beauty wedded to business efficiency’.



The famous landmarks the Grand Central Station and the Penn are also worth visiting though the original Penn station was demolished and re-built without any of the grandeur. Grand Central Station was nearly demolished as well, but escaped this fate thanks to New York’s landmark preservation laws.



The Chrysler building was until 1974 the tallest building in the world, when it was overtaken by the Sears Tower in Chicago. It was commissioned by Walter P. Chrysler in a race to build the world’s tallest building and now has become one of the most popular buildings in New York.



New York offers visitors many diverse attractions ensuring that on one ever feels bored. The area near the United Nations headquarters offers a glimpse into New York’s past glory and old, yet enduring architecture that pays homage to New York’s glorious past.



There are many great hotels near the United Nations headquarters New York, which is perfect for people wanting to stay in the area and take in all the amazing sites. Pick from any of the available hotels such as the Hotel Roosevelt, Helmsley Middletown hotel and the Marriot East Side Hotel.



Larry Austin is a freelance journalist who writes on travel related topics such as on hotels near the United Nations headquarters New York, and worldwide destination reviews etc. He is currently working for roomsnet.com which offers visitors the option of world wide hotel bookings.