What is this?

Now, I'm less of an expert on architecture then I am on hardcore music, but doesn't this building look a bit...off? First, I didn't know we still made buildings in Midtown Manhattan out of wood. I thought they were mostly made of Steel...or at least some sort of metal. I'm probably wrong. Second, whats with all the wonky beams? They're all crooked and bent out of shape. The whole thing looks like it's made out of broken toothpicks. If it was like a barn in Lancaster we'd be OK. But on 33rd and 6th? I don't get it. Someone help me out here.

Comments

[jerry]

My guess: it's the formwork to pour concrete. I can't tell for certain from the photo, but being an architect who works on 30th and 6th, I could let you know after lunch.

[janelle]

yep, looks like formwork. they'll run some re-bar (steel reinforcement) and then pour concrete.

[Jeff]

Good work, team!

[evan bray]

That, my friends, is referred to the "forrest." Yes it is form work for cast-in-place concrete. You should be able to discern that the forrest thins out on the lower floors. The most recently poured floors have a denser forrest.

[Toothpicker]

Besides all the "technical" explainations,, I dont think they are going to make a 50-60 story building out of "toothpick-like" wood. The photo in question is also the lower part of the back of that building.

[Niles]

To be specific, the upright "toothpicks" are temporary supports to hold up the forms for the poured concrete floors, and the floors themselves until they cure.