Image Credit: The Architect's Newspaper

I can't help but agree with the words of the article that came with the above photos, that this building by Gordon Bunshaft is a "masterpiece of Modernism". It ticked all the right boxes - a lofty, but pragmatic volume, a great deal of transparency, the art of the defining mid-century master Bertoia, and last but perhaps most significant, it's almost comically large safe that faced the street elevation. I mean, it was not only one of the most perfect exercises of modernism, this building is also a perfect publicity exercise - suggesting both transparency and impenetrability, both of which are excellent traits for a bank.

Its a pity that it's present state is a far cry from its sleek heyday.