Category: Student Posts

New York city, one of the most sumptuous cities in this universe. Consisting of surplus people who come from different backgrounds, distinctive cultures, who all hold different values. Contrasted through physical features; black, white, tan,tall, thick, skinny, but still remaining as one. New York is an overlap personified and has been for many centuries. Despite differences, people come together through an aesthetic consensus which eventually varies from generation to generation. Ultimately, the aesthetic of older generations revolved around large scale public works in comparison to today’s generation who’s aesthetics are based more on public art. Although they are two different views they can be found in overlaps.

In the past, New York was never as upgraded and innovative as it is today. In fact, New York’s progressive era did not begin until the 20th century. But through out this period, the country’s economy hit a crisis on October 19, 1929 known as The Great Depression. The crisis caused many negative factors to outburst such as deflation, a drop in demand for credit, disruption of trade and ultimately a widespread of poverty and unemployment. In response to this crisis, A New Deal was proposed and the birth of The Public Works Administration (PWA) was created. Seeking to revive the country’s economy, the PWA provided numerous jobs dealing with the building of public infastructures. In all, the PWA helped build the economy, provide people with a better way of living, and introduce prominent structures that were much needed. Projects that provided public welfare was aesthetically pleasing for this time, especially since the country was in need of all the help possible.

Present day, aesthetics aim toward public art. Introduced by The New Deal, public art carries a whole new genre today. In the past, it was predominatly used for propaganda purposes. Current time, it is used as an outlet to engage people with reality and provide conceptual messages. An example is Olek Says’: Rule #1 never be #2. This artwork sends a message to viewers about self-exaltation. Olek connects individuals to reality by reminding that there are people out there who suffer from self abasement. To interpret the concept, critical thinking is involved. One viewer may interpret and apply this message personally or another may ponder about the treatment of others. There are numerous assumptions that can be made. Artwork of all mediums can be found throughout the city whether its murals or sculptures themselves. Benches in Brooklyn Bridge park consist of weird shapes and colors, the Brooklyn Queens expressway underpass is home to two beautiful murals. It is evident today’s generation finds incorporating artwork into the public domain visually appealing and significant in keeping humans aware.

Despite the distinctive aesthetics, they can be found overlapped in current day. A great example that showcases an overlap are the “YES!” murals located under the BQE underpass. The works from the new generation literally overlap the BQE which in fact is a prominent structure to NYC. Although both overlap, they work together to create emphasis on one another. The color from the mural helps the underpass stand out while the large scale of the underpass helps to project the mural. This is how using both artistic tastes can balance each other out while still upgrading the overall look. The overlap generates more audience from all over. In a conceptual way, the underpass is like a doorway into Dumbo.  In a reading titled City Limits , Colson Whitehead writes “The city also puts a lot of effort into making your hometown look really drab and tiny”. This line showcases that regaurdless of generation, the focus is to make the city appear superior and utopian. 

Throughout time New York has lived to see many phases go by. Whether it was the 20’s, or the 40’s or the 70’s, New York has survived many marks and scribbles from countless generations. That being said there are overlaps all around us but sometimes arent that noticeable to the eye because they work seamlessly into your mind. There is a balance between what is and what was and together those two things will always coexist side by side. Like Whitehead says “The city saw all that. Remembers too.” (City Limits, 9) That quote displays how the city has been through history of all kind and remembers through various stains left behind.\

works cited

• “Public Works Administration.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 2 Dec. 2015. Web. 07 Dec. 2015.
• Whitehead, Colson. “City Limits.” The Colossus of New York: A City in Thirteen Parts. New York: Random House, 2004. 1-12. Web.
• “Public Art.” – Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Nov. 2015. Web. 09 Dec. 2015.

The average city person often finds theirself living a routine. Whether it’s school, work, or family, humans all have liabilities.  But in time of need, Realm Route offers the foundation for a vibrant happy day. Using information on your current mood, the app incorporates time, visuals and distance to create the holistic goal of relief and happiness. Achievement can be obtained by choosing routes that are tranquil yet nature filled. In comparison to urban environments, nature pathways offer greater cognitive therapy for a person’s well being.

Daily, students select the fastest route as opposed to the the more beautiful route, on their way to school. While arriving faster does have its benefits, choosing a route that emphasizes visual aesthetics provides more optimism. The sample route from the app exhibits a morning route for a City Tech student. Beginning in Carroll park, students will walk across and exit on court street. This starts an atmosphere flooded with greenery while remaining quiet. Up one block, a right is taken on to union street and goes continuously straight then a left on Bond street. Union and Bond streets offer a narrow condensed feel that works well with trees along the sidewalk. The closeliness of trees give a greener effect emphasizing nature. Then, a left on Pacific and a right on Hoyt street. Four blocks up, a left is taken on Livingston and finally a right on to Smith street which becomes Jay street. All streets on this route contain plants, trees and homes that add an earthy feel due to their shades of brown and green.  Carroll gardens is a great neighborhood for a quiet walk alone which is why our app proves to be number one. A peaceful area surrounded with plant life on every block is just the right antidote for every individual needing a peace of mind.

City people are more prone to rumination, a mental state where humans constantly ponder all the wrongs in their lives. This constant negative thinking can trigger serious depression or worse. A New York Times article about an experiment conducted by Gregory Bratman, a graduate student from Stanford University, discusses effects of nature on the human mind. Results revealed “Volunteers who had strolled along the quiet, tree-lined paths showed slight but meaningful improvements in their mental health”. The sample route provides just that, making users not only see the beauty, but feel it aswell in their mental being. Improvments in mental health can relieve depression and boost a person on all levels. Another article published by Nature Daily covers the topic of how eco environments can improve health. The article mentions a study peformed by the University of Essex where one group of people take a walk in nature and another in a mall. Afterwards studies revealed “taking a walk in nature reduced depression scores in 71 percent of participants”. As shown, the effects of nature are strong and stand as positive influences on people. As far as taking a walk in a mall, “22 percent of them actually felt more depressed.”

A person’s happiness is linked to having great mental health. A way to achieve this is through Realm Route and walking pathways that offer botanical yet tranquil atmospheres. Positive effects on a person’s well being affects them on every level from emotional, mental, physical, and psycological. If ten minites out a person’s routine can offer health benefits then why not start living a healthier life with Realm Route.