Final answer:
The RCA Building, featured in the 1932 photograph 'Lunch atop a Skyscraper', is better known today as the Rockefeller Center. This building is a fine example of the 'wedding cake' style promoted by the 1916 Setback Law, which influenced the design of skyscrapers to control the distribution of light and air at street level.
Step-by-step explanation:
The building famously known for its portrayal in the 1932 photograph 'Lunch atop a Skyscraper' is today called the Comcast Building. However, it is most widely recognized by the name Rockerfeller Center. This skyscraper, which was known as the RCA Building at the time the photo was taken, stands out as a historical example of how zoning laws and corporate identities shaped the New York skyline.
The 1916 zoning law known as the "1916 Setback Law" played a crucial role in the aesthetic and functional development of New York's skyscrapers, promoting architectural designs with setbacks to allow natural light and air to reach the streets below. This architectural style is exemplified by the Chrysler Building, the Rockefeller Center, and other iconic buildings that emerged during the early 20th century, driven by new engineering technologies such as steel-frame construction and safety elevators. These advancements allowed skyscrapers to ascend to remarkable heights and become symbols of corporate ambition.