Subiect: Art & architecture
Topic: The Building of a Block
Paper details:
Choose one square block in New York City and trace its growth. development. and change from the time that it
open land through today and then place this block and its history in some sort of context within the
architectural history or development of the neighborhood or the city. This context is the crucial aspect of the
paper. The block I chose was the one at the center of the map attached (the block made by Manhattan Bridge,
Cherry St. South St, and Frank T Modica Way).
Issues that you might consider include:
When did development begin?
What types of building were erected on the block?
Who were the architects and builders?
What were the original uses of the buildings?
How did development on this block relate to development in the surrounding neighborhood?
Why did this block develop as it did?; when it did?
How has the block changed since it was initially developed? Have the buildings changed?; the uses
changed?; the scale changed?. etc.
Has the change been for the better or for the worse?
Who was responsible for the changes?
How have the changes related to changes in the surrounding community?
-There are other issues that you might wish to discuss. Those listed above are only suggestions and you
need not necessarily discuss them all.
-You will surely want to include the architect, date. and builder of a representative group of buildings on your
block.
-Do not simply present a chronological history of building construction on the block.
-You must use the facts of development to present a broader picture of issues relating to the growth of the
city and its buildings.
-Clearly state in the opening paragraph what context you will be investigating.
