Shaping the Future of NYC

JonathanJoa — Mon, 25 May 2009 00:09:53 +0000

Midtown Development Tour

lbierman — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 17:28:49 +0000

42nd and Broadway
Lights and Signs

Theatres along 42nd st–Entertainment Use

High developments on 8th avenue between 42nd and 44th. Possible room for development in Picture 3?

44th street towards Shubert Alley: lined with short, older theatres.

Shubert Alley: Junior’s Restaurant to suck visitors like a straw through the alley. Picture 2: Waiting in line for tickets under the Mariot. This alley seems to work well to unite some of the theatre area.

45th street: West from Shubert Alley to 9th Avenue. Picture 1: An unused lot? Wow. Picture 2: The Special Midtown District continues into about half of the 46th st block btwn 8th and 9th. This theatre seemed to be the edge. Picture 3: After that, apartments line the block. Picture 4: Finally, we are in what I guess would be Clinton, with a small Mexican restaurant and a Graffitied Dry Cleaners.

9th Ave towards 46th st. Different neighborhood entirely.

46th btwn 9th and 8th, Restaurant Row

Picture 1: Particular character of this block reflected in the restaurant decor.

Picture 2: One restaurant has its own sidewalk design.

Pictures 3,4,5: Curb is recessed for most of the block, probably so that taxis can pull up in front of the restaurants. This was one of the most interesting things I saw on my walk.

Picture 6,7: Huge parking lot, with plenty of sidewalk space for maneuvering the cars into the lot.

There must be a lot of paperwork behind the uniqueness of this block.

46th towards the Bowtie

Picture 1: The Scientology Building looks like a theatre as well. I wonder how many people walk in thinking it is.

Pictures 2,3,4,5: Bowtie signage regulations apparent.

46th st btwn 7th and 6th.

Groundfloor use changes from restaurants to offices over the course of a block. I thought the loading dock and church were of interest because they would be awkward if placed even half a block west.

6th Ave btwn 46th and 44th.

Offices.

44th btwn 6th and 7th.

Theatres again, as we move back into….

The CrossRoads!

-Leo Bierman

Luke-Times Square Photographic Essay

clayne — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:13:36 +0000

Luke-Photographic Essay #2

clayne — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 07:37:37 +0000

42nd Street Extravaganza

amicocci — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:18:22 +0000

In the beginning there was Broadway…Slashing down across manhattan, KING OF STREETS!

Looking down 42nd street to the West

You can look straight up and barley see the top

Logos are everywhere, everything is owned by somebody and somebody wants everybody to know it

Even the trash cans are advertising something… and on this one rests a tired bike messenger waiting for his turn to go

TOURISTS… look at them swarm!

Old signs in this area are like gems, peeking out and around the digital logo orgy that time square has become… neon is simpler, more graceful, and causes less caesuras

Remember when there was a 9 train?

Only in times square could McDonalds get away with this… was this ever really what was intended?

One last look down 42 from the steps of the New Victory theater… see how the street folds up and out in all directions

Construction on 8th ave… someone must have sold their air space to create this orange giant

Some things will never change though. A classy reminder of old New York on 8th ave

The majestic Majestic theater is dwarfed by the skyscraper that shoulders it, but what it lacks in height, it makes up for in style

Cutting through Shubert Alley between two impossibly high buildings, this alley is always in the shadows

On 45th street low theaters squat next to tall cement monstrosities. The glass office building a few blocks uptown puts both 45th st buildings to shame.

9th ave, a whole different world from times square. It’s a New York Neighborhood

MMMMMMMM… Restaurant Row YUM!

A solid towering granite building on 46th st… nothing, and I mean nothing happens without these guys!

Unfortunately it is at this point that my camera decided to break down and have some sort of electronic midlife crisis. For this I apologize.

I can visually confirm however that as one heads further East one heads further and further towards imposing office buildings with Starbucks and overpriced Europa style sandwich joints on the ground floors. Back south on 7th ave the theaters are again in full swing presenting everything from classic theater to the musical adaptations of movies-that-weren’t-that-good-t-begin-with-but-will-sell-to-these-silly-tourists-for-100-dollars-a-pop.

At the end of our tour, the ‘cross-roads of the world’ I am struck not so much by a sense of awe and grandeur, rather by the idea that this is in fact the crossroads of Disney and Chase. But hey… the tourists seem to love it!

lalmeida — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:26:29 +0000

42nd st. and Broadway- lights and variety of signs

42nd St. and 8th Ave.- theaters and other entertainment uses

construction at 42nd and 8th Ave. Corner

8th Ave-lower heights of buildings

Shubert Alley- low height theaters on both sides of the street

Moving West to 9th Ave- change of building type and land uses

residential low height buildings

Change in character on 9th Ave.

Restaurant Row!

ground floor uses

office uses

end of tour

the crossroad of the world

Times Square visit

slitsas089 — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 05:43:06 +0000

Times Square!!!!

JoeyD. — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:13:02 +0000

Stephanie and I went on the tour together

The beginning of the tour (44th and Broadway)

Uptown view, just a glimpse of the crazy lights and advertisements to come!

On our way to 8th avenue…though not technically a “Broadway” theatre, the New Victory is one of the premiere theatre spaces in the theatre district. It is best known for its incredible dance shows.

The New Amsterdam Theatre, now showing “Mary Poppins,” was one theatre that was saved from decay and ruin to became one of the most gorgeous venues in the theatre district.

Though a very different type of theatre, Regal movie theaters is just as flashy and high profile as any Broadway theatre! And…

AMC movie theaters does not disappoint either! Both Movie theaters offer a cheaper alternative to the Broadway shows littering the rest of the area.

As we moved to 8th avenue, immediately it was clear the amount of construction going on. This is a definite possibility for the transference of building rights…

Construction was everywhere and cranes flew in the sky. High rise business buildings were definitely in the making on 8th avenue.

Although there are many building projects on 8th avenue, there are also still many shorter buildings meant for residential use.

There is a definite sense of need for restaurants and activities on 8th avenue, many gifts shops line the streets, but there is definitely a large number of high rises as can clearly be seen in the back of this photo. As we turned on to 46th street on our way across the street, the first image we saw was the Majestic Theatre where “Phantom of the Opera” is currently playing…for over 13 years!

The Majestic is not the only theatre on this street…there are more theaters on 46th and 47th street than any other streets in the theatre district!

Despite the high number of theaters on this block, there are also many high rises on either side of them…a definite transference of building rights occurred on this block in an effort to save the historic theaters lining the street.

Sardi’s has been a part of the theatre community for quite some time, housing many Broadway legends as well as offer many the tourist a fun and exciting experience…go to Sardi’s to see all the caricatures of famous Broadway actors!

On either side of the theaters are buildings easily rising thirty stories.

Moving back towards 8th avenue, the change is uncanny…there are no porn shops in the heart of the theatre district!

Moving towards 9th avenue, it became clear we were entering a more residential portion of the area. There was a certain feeling of community with…

Small restaurants filled with friendly owners that seem to know you right away.

On 9th avenue, the restaurants became even more apparent. With so many couples, children, and families it made perfect sense why there would be so many.

We reached restaurant row, a beautiful street lined with nothing but incredible restaurants, bars, and lounges. When you enter it you feel like you are in the twilight zone where each building seems like it is from another country!

By the time we made it back to Times Square, it was just dark enough for the lights to shine bright.

The 2009 ball was still up…I wonder how long the City keeps that up for??? Notice too the incredible amount of advertisement. Crazy!

Even though the lights represent countless corporations, Time Square really is a sight to behold.

On our way over to 6th avenue, we noticed that the garbage on the ground began to increase. Here you can see the garbage while still in plane view of Times Square.

Unfortunately, the camera died after this picture was taken. We moved to 6th avenue where the buildings were tall and faceless. No character whatsoever was in the buildings and they were definitely used for pure business purposes, with slight variations such as Radio City Music Hall which is gorgeous inside to say the very least.

At the heart of Time Square at the end, the view we had was truly remarkable. There was so much openness all around, yet it was clear there were huge high rises in view as well, making up for the openness tenfold.

Kim and Alyssa… Times Square

khappich — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:33:39 +0000

First stop. Lots of super signs.

More super signs on the way to 8th ave.

42nd street between 7th and 8th ave. This is a great shot because right behind the very short New Victory theatre we can see a high rise office building.

A great shot of 42nd street at 8th ave looking towards 7th. You can really see all the tourist attractions with bright colors and large signs.

A view up 8th ave. Considerably less flashy, and you can see the new development happening two blocks north at 44th.

High rise buildings on 8th ave.

Shubert Alley. The building behind the Shubert Theatre on 45th st. was so tall I couldn't get the whole building into the view. (p.s. I'm sad that Spamalot is no longer playing)

The Marriot cut through. We almost got hit by a taxi.

View on 45th st. An open lot. Immediately behind it, a very tall building.

The neighborhood becomes residential when heading towards 9th ave.

Anyone need a new apt?

More "residential"-ness. It was really cold out.

The view up 9th ave. WITH SHORT BUILDINGS!!

RESTAURANT ROW!!!!

The first YUM YUM was down the block.

The most ornate restaurant on the block. Russian, of course.

One of the few non-restaurants on Restaurant Row.

Alyssa and I really liked Restaurant Row. Don't be judgemental.

End of Restaurant Row. A parking lot with towers in the background.

Back at the bow-tie.

First floor usage for store-fronts.

6th ave is full of office buildings.

And more office buildings.

Added bonus: the Scottish day parade.

Heading back to 7th ave and the theatre usage of buildings. And a line to get in.

More theatres going down the block.

Last photo, back at the heart of Times Sq. (We pretended to be tourists and asked for someone to take the picture in Italian)

Christina’s Times Square Photo Essay

ctesoro — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:19:37 +0000

The tour begins with a crowded view of the South end of Times Square at 42nd Street and Broadway. I walk past one of my favorite places in Manhattan - B.B. King’s. My family and I come here at least twice a year to see my brother’s favorite guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel. After the show, we sometimes get to meet him.

I love all the posters for Broadway shows in Shubert Alley. Frankie and Johnnie’s Steakhouse is right across the street from Avenue Q - I went there last year and ordered a salmon instead of a steak (a ridiculous choice) and then saw Avenue Q with my best friend. The best part was it was her birthday, and one of her other friends treated us to the whole thing for free. HAIR! is my favorite musical of all time, and I’m so excited that its running again. I can’t wait to go see it!

Across 45th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue is completely different. There are no lights or Broadway places; it’s like walking over one block and stepping into a completely different part of the city.

My favorite part of the tour was Restaurant Row. I never even knew this existed. Here are some of the places that I definitely plan on going to in the near future. Don’t Tell Mama and Swing 46 are at the top of the list.

The buildings back at 6th Avenue are once again completely different from the places closer to the heart of Times Square. They’re taller and more official looking. Just around the corner at 44th Street, however, the theaters start popping up again.

Finally we’re back to the Times Square that everyone knows and loves. Crowded, colorful, and bursting with life, it’s disorienting - at first I couldn’t find my way back to the N train - and while it may not be my favorite part of the city, it certainly is the most impressive.

Gennadiy’s trip to the Times Square theatre district

Gennadiy — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:18:59 +0000

the times, they are a-changin’

zchiu — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:11:41 +0000

This is a joint venture between Noah and Zerlina.

Broadway Lights by Day

jstettin — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 03:25:00 +0000

final project

NoahC — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:40:05 +0000

We were thinking about combining a couple of general interests: namely public bathrooms and ecofriendly structures. I know that there are some complications with installing composting toilette’s, but that might be interesting to pursue. Otherwise, we might look into recycling water in the bathrooms (flowing the water from the sink into the toilette, or something), or using solar power for the lights and whatever else uses electricity. That’s it for now.

-Noah

Gennadiy’s idea for the final project

Gennadiy — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:33:06 +0000

At the turn of the twenty-first century, we became well-aware that oil prices are sky rocketing and its supply is depleting. In addition, oil, as well as natural gas are found to be major contributors to global warming. As a way to reduce energy costs and help our environment, we need to look for reusable sources of energy that are earth friendly. One such alternative is solar energy, harnessed through solar panels. Skyscrapers are energy guzzlers, and solar energy, being reusable, will save money in the long run. Although, research and experimentation is being down today, I propose for greater research and proliferation of these panel on skyscrapers and other major building in New York city. I would like to investigate possible architectural designs of solar panels upon buildings that will be effective in reducing our dependence on oil, not contribute to further environmental problems, as be suitable to current and future architectural designs.

A though for the Final Project

aarroyo — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:48:17 +0000

While I am aware that we are in constant need of low income housing and job opportunities, I really would like to focus on bringing some exposure to natural beauty into New Yorker’s every day lives. What I would like to see are some low-cost–maintenance public gardens, where New Yorkers can rent a plot and care for and grow their own vegetables and flowers.
There is one I know of already in Flushing near the Booth Memorial Hospital, called the Kissena Corrider Park. ( http://www.treebranch.com/BQGG_pdf/kissena_cunningham.pdf ) I think it would be great, if possible, to find some small plots of space outdoors in urban residential areas, or even to put greenhouses on the roofs of buildings that the public could access, so that New Yorkers can de-stress and discover their green thumbs.

Topic Selection..

lalmeida — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 05:23:29 +0000

The city of the New York is currently facing serious problems of freight transportation. With the mass congestion of highways, streets, etc. freight transportation has added to the issue of traffic and pollution in the city. For my project, I will be doing more research on this citywide issue, document the problem and recommend the best policy approach.

Final Project Idea

clayne — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:50:24 +0000

For the final project, I was considering creating a foreign language program for all public elementary schools in New York City and developing a system in which time and money could be optimized to make this idea happen. Studies show that children can pick up a foreign language a lot easier if they start becoming acquainted with it at a young age. Since money is tight these days, only two languages, or even one (Spanish), might be the only ones taught under this new program.

Luke
Luke

Final Group Project

jphillips — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:49:15 +0000

At a faculty symposium, which I recently attended, it was stressed that the final project must be a group effort – three or four students combining their resources to look at a selected topic in depth. The existing final project description still applies. Individual students should put forth topics and, as a class, we will look at areas of common interest or overlap to form a group. Since there are many components leading to making a compelling 10-minute public presentation before the university and outsiders, as well, it is would be best to form a team maximizing individual strengths.

All topics will require, among other things:

• Writing a compelling proposal
• Conducting basic research/literature search
• Identifying and contacting primary sources
• Conducting interviews, when possible
• Photographing existing conditions
• Preparing graphic illustrations
• Preparing verbal presentations

Given the scope of this project, give serious thought about pooling resources. Also, remember that a good portion of class time will be devoted to your being able to work together and develop your proposals. We’ll talk.

New York Essay…finally! :)

JoeyD. — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 07:14:47 +0000

New York City is extremely patriotic, more so than many seem to think. There is a notion established throughout the United States that New York City is home to extremely unpatriotic individuals that can only believe in one mindset, namely that of the super liberal. I guarantee you, there are more American flags in New York City than probably anywhere else, especially within the immigrant community.

E.B. White speaks of what is expected in New York City. What I noticed however was that nature, which is all around us in the City, White only really speaks about in terms of Central Park. This picture showcases nature, and was taken right outside the Brookdale campus.

There is even nature on the sides of many buildings, such as on this one here. Vines and other plants grow across the founding bricks and create beautiful views for everyone to see.

Sorry that it’s on its side…Scaffolding in New York City is abundant and well received on night’s when snow and rain are falling. There is always construction in New York. As soon as one project is finished, another is started.

While scaffolding in some cases is very useful, it is also an obstruction that can destroy a scenic picture.

New York City never sleeps and establishments such as this restaurant with a “Late Nite Menu” are abundant to make room for the night’s lively ones.

There are many forms of transportation in New York, one of the least prevalent being automobiles. There are stop lights throughout the city, winding their ways through the concrete jungle.

A man on the move, cigarette in hand, crosses the street when the “Don’t Walk” hand is bold it its orange glory. Walking is probably the most commonly used form of transportation besides…

Public transportation is used by every New Yorker, whether old or young, short or tall, skinny or fat. The Subway is convenient and fast (for the most part) giving every New Yorker their chance to get to their destinations on time.

Buses are also used quite frequently and represent a large number of people living in New York City. They provide hugely necessary transportation and have become staples on every single street in New York’s five boroughs.