I’ve been to Columbus Circle in midtown New York many times before, but I’ve never stopped to look at the different sculptures and monuments. As I was coming out of the subway stop, I noticed a steel globe high above me. It was a lovely sight to see and I wondered how it came to be.

The globe sculpture, on 59th and Columbus Circle, is situated next to Trump International Hotel & Tower. It is a smaller version that was made in homage of the Unisphere. The Unisphere was designed by Gilmore David Clarke and commissioned for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. It celebrated both the “beginning of the space age” and “peace through understanding”. It weights about 400 tons including the base, measures 120 feet in diameter and is 140 feet high. It is a grand display of the country’s industrial accomplishments hence the use of stainless steel. The complex and delicate design required new wind tests created at the University of Maryland and high speed computers to ensure that the structure could hold up to wind, rain and its own heavy weight.

The structure was created to be a permanent symbol in New York for future generations to enjoy. Like many structures in New York (such as bridges tunnels, etc), it eventually fell into disrepair. There was a 15 year, $80M project to bring the Unisphere back to it’s former glory and revitalize the surrounding park. After taking in the structures colossal size, you can visit the New York Hall of Science, the Tennis Center, the Natatorium Ice Rink, and other attractions in the area including the New York State Theater Observation Towers aka alien space ships. Just kidding… I would say wait until the weather is warmer and the fountains around the globe are turned on. Have you visited the Unisphere or an old World’s Fair building or structure recently? Comment below…

“Video detailing the complex issues and solutions when they created the first massive, open structure constructed of stainless steel.”