Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
New York Rising traces the development of Manhattan through the lens of its physical form and built environment, from the first European settlement in the seventeenth century through the skyscrapers and large-scale urban planning schemes of the late twentieth century. New York Rising presents a broad survey of real estate development in Manhattan, illustrated with images drawn largely from the rich archival resources of the Durst Collection at Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. This book shares the distinct points of view on various aspects of Manhattan's architecture and urbanism from ten leading scholars: Russell Shorto, Hilary Ballon, Andrew Dolkart, David King, Carol Willis, Reinhold Martin, Hilary Sample, Richard Plunz, Ann Buttenwieser, and Lynne Sagalyn, as well as historical essays by coeditors Kate Ascher and Thomas Mellins. Each scholar provides their point of view on subjects and themes in line with their areas of scholarly interest, including the rise of the apartment, the evolution of the skyscraper, the remaking of Lower Manhattan, and much more. Though the book is broad in its scope and objectives, it does not attempt to be comprehensive, focusing instead on selected periods and subjects that convey key stories in a larger tale of urban development.
Synopsis
New York Rising is an illustrated history of real estate development in Manhattan, a story of speculation and innovation--of the big ideas, big personalities, and big risks that collectively shaped a city like no other. From the first European settlement in the seventeenth century through the skyscrapers and large-scale urban planning schemes of the late twentieth century, this book presents a broad historical survey, illustrated with images drawn largely from the rich archival resources of the Durst Collection at Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library, Columbia University.
The patriarch of one of New York City's most prominent real estate families, Seymour B. Durst, was a bibliophile and an avid collector of New York memorabilia. His archival holdings--once known as the Old York Library and now the Durst Collection--reflect his fascination with the city's street grid, mass transit, port, parks and open spaces, as well as its monumental buildings and signature skyline.
Ten leading scholars--the late Hilary Ballon, Ann Buttenwieser, Andrew Dolkart, David King, Reinhold Martin, Richard Plunz, Lynne B. Sagalyn, Hilary Sample, Russell Shorto, and Carol Willis--delved into the collection to select objects that reflect their own areas of interest and expertise. Using these materials, they have created visual narratives on specific topics, focusing on the Dutch and English governance of Manhattan, the growth of the city according to the Commissioners' Plan of 1811, the emergence of the public transit system, the race for height, the rise of multi-family and affordable housing, the transformation of Midtown into a commercial center, urban renewal in the Moses era, the revival of Times Square, and the reclaiming of the waterfront as public space. Essays by Kate Ascher and Thomas Mellins provide a framework for exploring these topics.
New York Rising is published in association with The Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation and Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library, Columbia University.