
The Brian Lehrer Show 100 Years of 100 Things: The NYC Skyline
May 14, 2025
Michael Kimmelman, architecture critic for The New York Times and author of 'The Intimate City Walking New York', delves into the dramatic transformation of New York City's skyline over the last century. He highlights key historical milestones like the Brooklyn Bridge and discusses how technological advancements paved the way for skyscrapers. Kimmelman examines public opinions about iconic landmarks versus newer buildings that block views and critiques the modern development at Hudson Yards for lacking New York's character, emphasizing the need for vibrant street-level experiences.
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Brooklyn Bridge's Impact on NYC Skyline
- The Brooklyn Bridge was a shocking monumental structure amid low-rise buildings in New York.
- It established a lasting association between height, awe, and urban architectural ambition.
Tech and Economy Fuel Skyscrapers
- Steel frame construction and elevators enabled New York's vertical growth.
- The city's financial hub location and subway access fueled skyscraper development.
Zoning Shapes Iconic Skyscrapers
- Before 1916, lack of zoning caused narrow street canyons of towering walls in Lower Manhattan.
- The 1916 zoning code introduced setbacks to improve light and air, shaping iconic skyscrapers.

