From the US Customs House to the Brooklyn Bridge, Lower Manhattan showed a gradual increase in urban development and a unique composition of key landmark buildings. Unique in its beauty and architecture. A diversity in styles and technologies were implemented in these landmark buildings which really set an exciting atmosphere walking along the streets.

One example of the unique composition of the key landmarks buildings that we came across was our first stop, the National Museum of the American Indian also known as the US Customs House. This landmark held purpose in its architecture and layout. The first attribute of this building was its monumental faƧade that showed detail and a Beaux-Arts styled architecture. Designed by Cass Gilbert, his goal was to simply use classical features and not quote in a way that made it feel like it was of his own. Gilbert also made it so that the architecture did not compete with the sculptural aspects of the building but served as a ā€œbackdrop.ā€ Everything about the building was cohesive even in its general layout. The US Customs House purposely faces the Bowling Green Park so that they can interact with one another. Not only can the pedestrians sit and receive natural light and air but enjoy the beauty of the US Customs House. This is one of the prominent features of that space.

Another great example is the Trinity Church. Standing on Wall and Broad St, you have this exciting view of the church that is being framed by parallel buildings. They all slightly converge as you walk forward to the church, this further sets a spotlight on Trinity Church. In addition, there is a juxtaposition between the church and the buildings that surround in its materiality, style and size. For instance, the first two buildings that are set on the corners opposite of each other are made up of marble and limestone, which are usual in modern architecture whereas the Trinity Church, itā€™s made up of stoned materials. The style is Gothic Revival, and this sets the church apart from the other buildings. Despite the size of the church, it is more eye catching because of its expressiveness and monumentality.