How New York Got Its Skyline
3,140
by Super User, 6 years ago
Why do so many of New York's older skyscrapers have a similar design?
The answer can be traced back to a monumental 1916 zoning law, which established “setback” requirements for buildings above a certain height. In the heart of the Financial District, the Equitable Building, a historic skyscraper that predates the law, remains a symbol of the excesses of the pre-zoning era.
Video by Raymond Schillinger
Camera: Brian Schildhorn
Add'l Production: Ren Potts, Jordan Oplinger
Graphics: Christian Capestany
Special thanks to:
Silverstein Properties
Carol Willis - Founder, Director, and Curator of The Skyscraper Museum
New York City Department of City Planning
Archival Photographs from Getty Images, POND5
The answer can be traced back to a monumental 1916 zoning law, which established “setback” requirements for buildings above a certain height. In the heart of the Financial District, the Equitable Building, a historic skyscraper that predates the law, remains a symbol of the excesses of the pre-zoning era.
Video by Raymond Schillinger
Camera: Brian Schildhorn
Add'l Production: Ren Potts, Jordan Oplinger
Graphics: Christian Capestany
Special thanks to:
Silverstein Properties
Carol Willis - Founder, Director, and Curator of The Skyscraper Museum
New York City Department of City Planning
Archival Photographs from Getty Images, POND5
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Super User uploaded a new media, How New York Got Its Skyline
6 years ago
