The construction of a new luxury residential tower that will surpass the current tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere in height has prompted New York City to reconsider its policy on megatowers.
The current high-rise champ rises 1,400 feet above Manhattan. The concern is over whether the long shadows skyscrapers cast over Central Park are harmful enough to restrict their height.
Other cities have studied the impact the shadows cast by high-rises have on the public’s enjoyment of public parks. The Washington Post reported that San Francisco, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Toronto also have struggled to find a balance between building taller in an effort to fit more housing into crowded urban spaces with the need for sunlight below.
Though New York’s latest residential skyscrapers are targeted for the wealthy, such rules could impact tens of thousands of affordable housing units in the proposal stage.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 2, 2018
How workplace design can position financial services companies for success
HOK report examines forces reshaping industry.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2018
California is the first state to phase out incandescent light bulbs
In two years, the rest of the U.S. will follow suit.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2018
Automated tool assists in design of force transfer around openings
Engineered Wood Assn. offers free calculator and technical note.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2018
First large-scale use of perovskite solar cells in office building slated for Poland this year
Skanska will integrate the technology into building facades.
Codes and Standards | Jan 29, 2018
Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 Schools to achieve zero energy
Publication is joint effort by ASHRAE, AIA, IES, and USGBC.
Codes and Standards | Jan 26, 2018
Flying drones while inebriated now illegal in New Jersey
Violators could be sentenced to six months in jail.
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2018
OSHA penalties for violations increase
Fines adjusted for inflation in the New Year.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2018
Disaster mitigation strategies that exceed code could save billions
Four dollars saved for every dollar spent, says NIBS report.
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2018
U.S. construction fatalities rose 6% in 2016
Falls accounted for 39% of deadly accidents.
Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2018
Record storm surge in Boston prompts renewed calls for flood mitigation infrastructure
Newer buildings constructed in flood zone fared well.