PSFS Building — Architecture Helper

PSFS Building

George Howe and William Lescaze Built 1932 1200 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Building Library

International Style 90%
Art Deco 75%

The PSFS Building is a pioneering example of the International Style in the United States. It features a streamlined design with an emphasis on functionality and simplicity, marking a significant departure from more ornate styles of architecture.

Architectural Styles

International Style

90%

The International Style is evident in the PSFS Building through its minimalist design, lack of ornamentation, and use of modern materials such as glass and steel. The building's emphasis on functional form and open spaces also reflects this architectural approach.

Flat roof
Curtain wall of glass
Asymmetrical facade
Open interior spaces

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Art Deco

75%

Though primarily an International Style building, some Art Deco influences can be noted in the detailing of the upper floors and the distinctive signage, which reflect the style's emphasis on modernity and streamlined forms.

Ziggurat shape at the top
Geometric patterns in design
Stylized motifs

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Notable Features

First skyscraper to use a glass curtain wall
Pioneered modernist architecture in America
The tallest building in Philadelphia at the time of completion

Historical Context

Constructed during the Great Depression, the PSFS Building was one of the first skyscrapers to embody the Modern Movement in the U.S., serving as a symbol of economic resilience and innovation. Its design reflects the era's fascination with new materials and technologies.

Fun Facts

The PSFS Building was the first to receive the title of a landmark by the Philadelphia Historical Commission
It was originally the headquarters of the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society
The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2001.

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