With its green glass and Vermont marble shimmering in the sunlight and the water of the East River, the building’s modern aesthetic was an intentional decision by the collaborating architects to symbolize change, embodying a sense of newness that sheds light on the optimistic future of the world’s nations working together as one collective body. It was the first major “international style” building constructed in New York.
UN Photo/Rick Bajornas
Secretariat Building at United Nations Headquarters.
Since the UN Secretariat opened its doors, its membership climbed from 60 to its current 193 Member States, with South Sudan becoming in 2011 the latest to join, and the Holy See and the State of Palestine being recognized as permanent observer States.
All their flags are raised every morning, lacing the front of the UN campus.
Owned by the UN, the site of UN Headquarters has a special status within the US, and no federal, state or local officer or official of the host country may enter the campus without consent and under conditions agreed to by the Secretary-General.
Curating material from the archives, UN Video showcased imagery shot over several decades. Watch it here.
Catch up on our #ThrowbackThursday Stories from the UN Archive series here, and watch episodes from UN Video’s playlist here, cultivated from the UN Audiovisual Library’s 49,400 hours of video and 18,000 hours of audio recordings.
Join us next Thursday for another dive into history.
Nora Chambers, an acclaimed journalist with a focus on global affairs and humanitarian issues, has dedicated over twenty years to reporting from conflict zones worldwide. Her work has spotlighted marginalized communities and highlighted urgent international concerns.
As an architecture enthusiast, I find the design of the UN Headquarters truly captivating. The modern aesthetic, with its green glass and Vermont marble, symbolizes change and progress. It’s inspiring to see a building embodying a sense of newness and optimism for the future of global cooperation.
I find the architectural design of the UN Headquarters truly captivating. The modern aesthetic symbolizes a sense of newness and change, reflecting the optimistic future of global collaboration. It’s amazing to see how the UN has grown in membership over the years, showcasing the diversity and unity of nations. The UN campus holds a special significance with all the flags raised every morning, representing the collective spirit of cooperation. It’s fascinating to delve into the historical archives and witness the evolution of this iconic institution.
It’s fascinating to learn about the history and evolution of the UN Headquarters. The architecture truly reflects the ethos of unity and progress that the organization stands for. I look forward to exploring more about its rich heritage and the important work being done there.
As an architecture enthusiast, I am fascinated by the modern aesthetic of the UN Headquarters. It truly symbolizes the optimism and unity of nations coming together for a better future. The history and growth of the Secretariat building are truly remarkable. #ThrowbackThursday Stories from the UN Archive series provide such valuable insights into the organization’s rich past.
As a long-time follower of UN news, I find the modern aesthetic of the Secretariat Building truly inspiring. The growth of membership from 60 to 193 Member States reflects a hopeful future for global collaboration. It’s fascinating to see the flags of nations raised every morning, symbolizing unity. The special status of the UN Headquarters within the US is a testament to its importance on the world stage. Can’t wait to delve into the UN Video archives and explore the rich history further!
Wow, fascinating article! I wonder if the UN Secretariat building has any hidden features that are not widely known. For example, are there any secret tunnels beneath the campus?
Hi AlexandraSmith81, glad you enjoyed the article! As a long-time UN staff member, I can tell you that there are indeed some lesser-known features of the Secretariat building. While I can’t confirm the existence of secret tunnels, I can assure you that the building does house some unique meeting rooms and historical artifacts that most visitors don’t get to see. It’s always exciting to discover the hidden gems within such a iconic structure!
Having visited the UN Headquarters myself, I must say that the architecture truly reflects a sense of unity and progress. It’s amazing how each flag represents a nation coming together for a better future. The building’s design speaks volumes about the collective efforts of all Member States. Truly an inspiring place!
As a morning person, I truly appreciate the early riser adventures at the UN Headquarters. The symbolism of the building’s modern aesthetic resonates with the optimistic future it represents for global collaboration and unity. It’s fascinating to see how the UN has grown in membership and importance over the years. Looking forward to exploring more about its history through the UN Video archives!
What was the most captivating moment for you in your early riser adventures at the UN Headquarters?
One of the most captivating moments during my early riser adventures at the UN Headquarters was witnessing the flags of the 193 Member States being raised every morning, symbolizing unity and collaboration on a global scale. It was a powerful reminder of the diverse nations coming together as one collective body to strive for a better future.
Could you provide more details on the architectural significance of the UN Headquarters design, especially in relation to the concept of international collaboration?
Sure, Emily87! The architectural design of the UN Headquarters was carefully crafted to symbolize unity and collaboration among nations. The modern aesthetics with green glass and Vermont marble were chosen to represent change and new beginnings, reflecting the optimistic future of global cooperation. The building stands as a physical embodiment of the shared vision of nations coming together as one collective body. Its design signifies the importance of international diplomacy and cooperation in advancing towards a better world for all. Hope this sheds some light on the significance of the UN Headquarters’ architecture!
As an enthusiast of architecture and global diplomacy, I found the design and history of the UN Headquarters truly fascinating. The building’s embodiment of newness and collaboration reflects a hopeful future for international relations. It’s impressive how the member states’ flags flutter each morning, symbolizing unity in diversity. I look forward to exploring more stories and videos from the UN Archive to deepen my understanding of this iconic institution.
What were some of the key challenges faced during the construction of the UN Headquarters building?