PRESENTATION
Architectural and artistic significance of the banking room
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The presentation delves into the architectural and artistic significance of the 1 Wall Street banking room, highlighting the contributions of architect Ralph Walker and muralist Hildreth Meir. The unique design elements and creation process are described in detail.
- Ralph Walker was a principal of Voorhees, Gmelin and Walker, known for designing Art Deco high-rise buildings.
- Hildreth Meière was an accomplished muralist who collaborated with Walker on this and other projects.
- The banking room features an abstract mosaic design with warm colors and gold patterns, creating a striking verticality.
Margaret Herman
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The stunning former banking hall interior is the building's original reception space and remains incredibly intact.
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Ralph Walker, the architect of One Wall Street, was a principal of Voorhees Gamelan and Walker.
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Walker was one of New York's most noteworthy designers of Art Deco High Rise Buildings.
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Hildreth Meir was a highly talented and accomplished mirror list proficient in a variety of mediums.
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Meijer's impressive body of work includes painted and mosaic murals in churches and synagogues throughout the country, as well as the Randell's on the facade of radio city music hall.
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After 1 Wall Street, Walker and Meijer next collaborated on the AT and T long distance building lobby and later on several buildings for other corporations.
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Construction of One Wall Street began in 1929 and was completed in 1931.
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The decorative concept was developed by Walker who engaged Meijer to work on the banking hall mural.
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Abstract designs were a departure from Meijer's typically representative Meijer's and mosaics.
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She collaborated with Perry Cook Smith to develop the color gradations and scale of the design.
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The aim of the designers was to create a room that was warm and inviting contrasting with the cold marble of earlier banking halls.
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While there is a repeating motif throughout the room, its irregular shape means that each surface appears distinctive and unique.
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Each elevation was designated with an alphanumeric code that was stamped on individual tiles to indicate their installation location.
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