In the early 1900s, George Hill and Cass Gilbert revolutionized modern architecture by emphasizing the importance of efficiency over unnecessary ornamentation. The transition from intricate stonework to simplistic glass curtain walls in skyscraper design was not solely due to modernist architects’ influence, but also driven by real estate developers seeking cost-effective and profitable structures. Developers play a crucial role in shaping a building’s design based on financial models and market demands, guiding architects towards practical and economically viable solutions. Firms like Emery Roth and Sons excelled in delivering low-cost, high-rentable space buildings despite critics’ disapproval, showcasing the prioritization of commercial success in the architectural industry.
https://www.construction-physics.com/p/why-skyscrapers-became-glass-boxes