Jason Barr on Building the Skyline and the Economics of Skyscrapers
Mar 27, 2017
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Jason Barr, a Professor of Economics at Rutgers University-Newark and author of "Building the Skyline," discusses the fascinating evolution of Manhattan’s iconic skyline. He reveals how socioeconomic dynamics and settlement patterns, alongside geological factors, shaped the city’s architecture. Barr dives into the impact of public transport on population distribution and how innovations like the elevator enabled skyscraper construction. He also explores the complexities of zoning laws and urban growth, highlighting the balancing act between preserving history and accommodating modern development.
The misconception about Manhattan's skyscrapers being solely influenced by bedrock depth overlooks critical factors like historical settlement and economic growth.
Early transportation innovations, such as horse-drawn streetcars, reshaped Manhattan's skyline by facilitating the migration of wealthier families northward.
Zoning regulations significantly impacted skyscraper development in Manhattan, balancing real estate economics with historical urban growth patterns and preserving community identity.
Deep dives
The Bedrock Myth and Skyscraper Construction
The podcast dispels the commonly held belief that the depth of Manhattan's bedrock determines skyscraper construction. In fact, the correlation between bedrock depth and the skyline's development is largely a misconception. The crucial factors influencing skyscraper locations and heights are linked to historical settlement patterns and economic growth that predate Civil War infrastructure. Ultimately, advancing technologies allowed builders to find solutions for constructing skyscrapers even in areas with deep bedrock.
Historical Settlement Patterns of Manhattan
The discussion highlights how early population distribution influenced Manhattan's skyline. Initially, most inhabitants lived in lower Manhattan, close to the port, due to limited transportation options. The introduction of horse-drawn streetcars in the 1830s facilitated the movement of wealthier families northward, prompting shifts in residential and commercial locations. This migration stimulated the growth of retail and entertainment districts, consequently shaping the development of skyscrapers in the areas that catered to these evolving demographics.
Technological Advances Enabling Skyscraper Construction
Technological innovations in the late 19th century made it viable to construct taller buildings in Manhattan. The advent of steel construction eliminated the need for thick masonry walls, which previously limited height due to structural constraints. Meanwhile, the introduction of elevators made upper floors more accessible and desirable, turning height from a burden into an economic opportunity. This structural evolution supported the boom of skyscrapers in a rapidly growing urban landscape, where developers sought to maximize return on expensive land.
Zoning and the Economic Landscape of Skyscrapers
Zoning regulations significantly influence where skyscrapers were built in Manhattan, establishing an environment where developers sought to create profitable projects. The 1916 zoning code required setbacks based on street width, thereby shaping the characteristic profiles of New York City's buildings while also constraining height opportunities in certain neighborhoods. This containment meant that working-class areas remained low-rise, while areas with established commercial incentives saw higher skyscraper development. As a result, the location and design of buildings reflect a complex interplay between regulation, real estate economics, and historical patterns of urban growth.
The Future of Urban Development in Manhattan
The episode explores the implications of current housing policies on New York's evolving skyline and affordability challenges. Rent stabilization and restrictive zoning have created a high-pressure environment in which demand for housing surpasses supply, particularly in vibrant areas of Manhattan. While proposals for deregulation and more efficient land use could potentially ease these pressures, they also risk provoking short-term challenges in housing stability and community identity. The delicate balance between preserving historic character and meeting housing demands poses a significant question for urban planners and policymakers moving forward.
Why does the Manhattan skyline look like it does with incredible skyscrapers south of City Hall then almost no tall buildings until midtown? Jason Barr of Rutgers University-Newark and author of Building the Skyline talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about the evolution of Manhattan as a place to live and work, and the mix of individual choices and government policy that created the skyline of Manhattan.
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