How one design flaw almost toppled a skyscraper | Alex Gendler

In 1978, Diana Hartley discovered a critical flaw in the Citicorp Center's design while working on her thesis. The building, constructed on stilts due to a church at its base, was vulnerable to corner winds. Hartley's findings led to secret reinforcements of the building's structure, which were completed amidst a newspaper strike, keeping the public unaware. The story was only revealed in 1995, highlighting Hartley's role in preventing a potential disaster.

What was the unique design feature of the Citicorp Center that raised initial concerns?

• Its sloped roof

• The use of stilts at the building's corners

• The location in Midtown Manhattan

• The height of the building

What was the primary function of the tuned mass damper in the Citicorp Center?

• To support the building's foundation

• To counteract swaying caused by strong winds

• To enhance the building's aesthetic appeal

• To reduce the building's weight

Why were the winds hitting the building's corners a significant threat?

• They were stronger than the winds hitting the broad sides

• They were not accounted for in traditional safety calculations

• They could cause the building to sway excessively

• They were more frequent than other winds

What change in the construction plans increased the risk of the building's collapse?

• The removal of the tuned mass damper

• The addition of more floors

• The replacement of welded joints with bolted ones

• The use of a lighter exoskeleton

How did the public eventually learn about the potential disaster at the Citicorp Center?

• From a New Yorker article in 1995

• During a public safety drill

• Through a press release by Citicorp

• Through a documentary film