Meet the Jewish architects who designed NYC’s iconic art deco buildings – Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Report on the Centenary of Art Deco Architecture and its Contribution to Sustainable Urban Development in New York City

This report examines the legacy of the Art Deco architectural movement, which celebrates its centenary in 2025. Originating at the 1925 Paris “L’Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs,” the style profoundly influenced urban landscapes globally, with New York City becoming a principal hub for its expression in skyscraper design. This analysis focuses on the contributions of prominent Jewish architects to New York’s Art Deco heritage, contextualizing their work within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Architectural Contributions and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The work of several key Jewish architects and firms was instrumental in shaping New York’s skyline during the 1920s and 1930s. Their projects not only defined an era of design but also contributed to principles of sustainable urbanism, cultural preservation, and inclusive economic growth.

1. Irwin Chanin

• Notable Works: The Majestic Apartments, The Century, The Chanin Building.
• SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Chanin’s designs for high-density residential towers like The Majestic and The Century exemplify efficient land use, a key component of sustainable urban planning. His focus on maximizing sunlight with features like “solaria” also aligns with modern principles of well-being in urban housing. The preservation of these buildings as landmarks contributes directly to Target 11.4 (protecting cultural heritage).
  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): As an architect and developer, Chanin’s work created significant employment and spurred economic activity, demonstrating innovation in the construction industry during a volatile economic period.

2. Mortimer Freehof and David Levy

• Notable Work: Congregation Beth Elohim (Temple House).
• SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The design of the Temple House as a community center and school underscores the importance of creating inclusive public spaces that strengthen community bonds. This supports Target 11.7 (provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces). The building’s preservation as a historic and functional community hub also aligns with Target 11.4.

3. Grad & Associates (Frank Grad)

• Notable Work: J.W. Marriott Essex House.
• SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The commencement of the Essex House construction immediately following the 1929 stock market crash represents economic resilience and investment in infrastructure during the Great Depression. The hotel has remained a source of employment and economic activity for nearly a century.
  • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The Essex House stands as a piece of resilient infrastructure (Target 9.1), adapting through renovations while maintaining its historic character, contributing to the city’s tourism and economic base.

4. Ely Jacques Kahn

• Notable Works: 2 Park Avenue, The Film Center Building.
• SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Kahn’s use of colorful terracotta and intricate detailing on buildings like 2 Park Avenue and the Film Center Building enhances the aesthetic quality of the urban environment. The designation of these buildings as landmarks safeguards this cultural heritage for future generations (Target 11.4).
  • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Kahn’s work on commercial high-rises supported the growth of key New York industries, including the film distribution sector, by providing innovative and functional infrastructure.

5. Robert D. Kohn

• Notable Works: Temple Emanu-El, Macy’s Herald Square additions.
• SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Temple Emanu-El serves as a vital cultural and spiritual landmark. Its unique blend of architectural styles, including Art Deco mosaics, makes it a significant site for cultural heritage preservation (Target 11.4).
  • SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Kohn’s involvement with the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of New York highlights the role of community partnerships in developing social infrastructure and fostering urban well-being.

6. Emery Roth

• Notable Work: The El Dorado.
• SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Roth’s personal history as a Hungarian immigrant who achieved prominence in a competitive field exemplifies the potential for social and economic inclusion (Target 10.2). His success demonstrates the contribution of immigrants to the economic and cultural fabric of the city.
  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The El Dorado is a key component of the Central Park West skyline, a protected historic district. Its design contributes to the unique character of the neighborhood and represents a model of dense, urban residential living, aligning with goals for sustainable urbanization and cultural preservation (Target 11.4).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article primarily discusses the architectural history and cultural heritage of New York City, focusing on the Art Deco style and the Jewish architects who were instrumental in its development. Based on this content, the following SDGs are addressed:

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: This is the most relevant SDG, as the article is centered on urban architecture, cultural heritage, and the buildings that form a city’s identity and skyline. It deals with the preservation of significant urban structures.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The article highlights major infrastructure projects of the 1920s and 1930s, such as skyscrapers, residential towers, and community buildings. It also covers the innovation in architectural design represented by the Art Deco movement.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: By specifically focusing on the contributions of “a number of Jewish architects,” the article implicitly addresses the social and economic inclusion of a religious minority group in shaping the cultural and physical landscape of New York City.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article describes the work of architects and their firms (e.g., Grad & Associates, Emery Roth and Sons), which created employment and contributed to economic activity through large-scale construction projects, even during challenging economic times like the Great Depression.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Several specific targets can be identified by analyzing the details provided in the article:

1. Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
   • Explanation: The article is fundamentally a celebration of New York’s architectural heritage. It repeatedly mentions efforts to preserve these Art Deco buildings. For example, it notes that the J.W. Marriott Essex House is “designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a historic hotel.” It also refers to reports from the “Landmarks Preservation Commission” for buildings like The El Dorado and mentions that 2 Park Avenue is a “designated landmark.” These actions directly align with the goal of safeguarding cultural heritage.
2. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure…to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Explanation: The article details the construction of significant urban infrastructure that supported New York’s growth. This includes commercial buildings like “the Film Center Building,” which served the growing film industry, office towers like “The Chanin,” and large-scale residential apartment buildings like “The Majestic” and “The El Dorado.” These projects represent the development of quality infrastructure that shaped the city’s economic and social life.
3. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of…religion…or other status.
   • Explanation: The article’s central theme is to “meet seven Jewish architects and architectural firms who created some of New York City’s best-known art deco treasures.” By documenting and celebrating the professional achievements and significant contributions of individuals from a specific religious minority, the article promotes a narrative of their social and economic inclusion and their role in building the city’s identity. It highlights figures like Emery Roth, an immigrant who became a leading architect, and Robert D. Kohn, who was active in the “Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of New York.”
4. Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation…
   • Explanation: The article discusses a period of significant architectural innovation. The adoption of the Art Deco style, as described in the article, was a “new architectural trend” that moved away from previous styles. Architects like Irwin Chanin were “inspired” by international expositions and incorporated new design ideas. The development of skyscrapers, which the article notes was a key trend, represents a technological and engineering advancement that boosted economic productivity in the construction sector.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not mention official SDG indicators, but it contains information that can serve as qualitative or proxy indicators for the identified targets:

• For Target 11.4 (Cultural Heritage):
  • Implied Indicator: The number and status of buildings receiving official heritage designation. The article provides concrete examples, such as the Essex House being “designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation” and other buildings being named as designated landmarks by the “Landmarks Preservation Commission.” The existence of these designations is a direct measure of protection efforts.
• For Target 9.1 (Infrastructure Development):
  • Implied Indicator: The scale and type of infrastructure constructed. The article provides a list of major projects, including “skyscrapers,” “twin tower’ style apartment buildings,” hotels, theaters, and houses of worship, which serves as an inventory of the quality infrastructure developed during that period.
• For Target 10.2 (Inclusion):
  • Implied Indicator: The documentation and recognition of contributions from minority groups. The article itself acts as an indicator by profiling seven prominent Jewish architects and their firms, thereby recording and publicizing their role in a major economic and cultural sector.
• For Target 8.2 (Economic Innovation):
  • Implied Indicator: The adoption of new technologies and designs. The article’s focus on the Art Deco movement as an innovative style and the mention of the construction of “the tallest building in midtown” (The Chanin at the time) are indicators of technological upgrading and a focus on high-value architectural work.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: jta.org