ENG 1101: Composing Abstractions

As one of New York City’s greatest icons the Brooklyn Bridge I can say is one architectural piece that my focus seems to be set on the most. Stretching over the East river to connect the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan the Brooklyn Bridge has a main span of 1,595.5 ft. This bridge being built during the 1960’s has become a historical landmark for the people of NY. In so many pictures or posters you can find the Bridge in the background being used to basically represent New York. Also being a means for transportation, drivers moving around from Brooklyn to Manhattan or vice versa  have been able to do so consecutively without much problems or so I at least hope.  As for pedestrians without cars or just wanting to enjoy the fresh air there is a very wide walkway accessible to all including bike riders. Being that I myself have traveled back and forth on this bridge I highly recommend taking a trip there. Just take the time to observe the heavily constructed towers and at night time how the lights show off the beautiful architectural design.

Washington Arch built in 1891 is one of my favorite architectural buildings in New York.  The arch is located at Washington Square Park at 5^th Ave and Washington Sq. N, with an area of 9.75 acres and depicts the Washington’s inauguration as President of United States. Washington Arch has a strong structure made of marble and is considered as a work of art from the day of its construction because of the magnificent splendor that this reflects, and nowadays Washington Arch is one of the most attractive places in Manhattan.  In addition, its perfect and wonderful design is seen and admired by the residents and tourists that come daily because Washington Square Park allows people to do cultural activities and meetings. We might say that this arch is similar to the Arch de Triomphe in Paris, France, but in a smallest scale.

The Flatiron Building was one of the first skyscrapers to be built in New York. It was built in 1902 and is located at 175  Fifth Avenue. The building is shaped as a triangle, and is named Flatiron because it had resemblance to a cast- iron clothes iron. This building was designed by DH Burnham & Company . It replaced a trapezoid shaped building that was ten stories high.  The name- Flatiron Building says it all. The exterior and its name is what makes it so different and unique in its own way. This is another reason to visit New York- for its weird shaped buildings and streets.

The grand central station located in midtown manhatten, 42 on park avenue. An inspirational building that captures the true beauty of architecture that can be combined with a practical cause like a train station. This building is a “grand” part of NY that every person that has visited it describes as an amazing part of NY. This building is one of my favorites because of its complex structure and (for its time) innovative appeal to the eye while also serving as a place where many can meet, greet, and converse with a piece of the world. Access to this place is open to all and welcomes all with its pleasing and beautiful architecture.

The Empire State Building (ESB) a National Historic Landmark, Located in 350 5^th avenue, New York designed by  Shreve, Lamb and Harmon. Is a commercial building which is not similar to the neighboring buildings. The ESB has the appearance of a tower with a scale of 102 stories skyscraper, its exterior materials include limestone, granite, brick, tons of steel, tons of aluminum and the interior lobby materials are ceiling high marble, imported from France, Italy, Belgium and Germany. The foundation of ESB is special that is strong enough to help holding this building up. When foundation was dug and then a cast-iron still was set into a base.  The ESB has 6500 windows punctuate by delicate cast-iron columns created a rhythmic balance outside and well-lit space inside. The harmony of design with all the elements balanced in true classical form, is sheer elegance. The top five floors were chamfered their corner cut away and softened so that the building reached a logical denouement. Chrome nickel steels the color and texture of silver was used for the mullions that would run for the sixth to the eight-fifth stories. The marble wall inside the ESB lobby was devoid of ornamentation and carving except a subtle repetition of the convex grooving from the façade.  

The Empire State Building is currently one of the suggested buildings to visit.  It’s located in midtown Manhattan, New York. This building occupies 208879 meter square and is 443.2 meters tall. Since it is one of the tallest buildings in the island of Manhattan, you still can see the building from far away. Despite of its simple design, this building stand outs because of its colorful lighting at night time. The Empire State Building has become a place for tourists because of its attractiveness and history. You can see almost the entire island of Manhattan on the highest floor of the Empire State Building.

My favorite architectural piece in NYC so for is the building of the freedom towers and the memorial. Although it is not finish, the finish product of the project, as well as the current progress of the building amazes me when I have time to look at it in person as well as looking at images of it. When the buildings are done, they are making it so that at a certain time in the morning, the sun shines over the buildings, casting a shadow of the buildings over the memorial. The shadow is supposed to represent the twin towers. I really admire that the architect who designed this structure put a lot of time and effort into this. When it is finally finished, I know it will attract a lot of visitors.

                  The Statue of Liberty is probably the most well known and famous architectural building of New York City. This was a gift given to us by the French and stands out the most of other architectural monuments in New York City. It is located on Ellis Island and is the first landmark people see when arriving to New York. The crown has seven rays representing the seven continents. It is very unique because the structure of the bulding is more of a sculpture, however people may enter the structure serving as a builidng as well.

-Flying cars

– Floating food vendors

-Chocolate and oil perfume scents

-The view of the amusement park while sitting at the Brooklyn Bridge Park

-Roller Coasters and Racetrack