ThamesScape No. 1 - A FiDi Impression
When it opened in 1915, the Equitable Building was the largest office building in
the world by floor area. It also had the distinction of occasioning the first city-
wide zoning code in the country. This code was designed to prevent skyscrapers
from blocking light and air from reaching the street. That requirement led to the
setbacks seen here and in subsequent tall buildings throughout the city.
The Equitable Building also featured entrances to the then-new IRT Wall Street
Subway Station (*) under Lower Broadway, now served by the 4 and 5 Trains.
Adding to the iconic form of the Equitable Building's setbacks is the Bishops Crook-style fixture
along Thames Street, here in Manhattan's Financial District. For Bishop's Crook Lamp POST
devotees, I should probably mention that, Thames Street being so narrow as not to allow for
the "traditional" post, the "Old New York" form was nonetheless maintained with what I call
"Crooklets" attached to building walls on either side of this almost-alley (**) It was through
one such "Crooklet" that I shot the looming mass of the Equitable Building on Broadway.
The photograph, taken in December 2023, makes its first appearance tonight.
©2024 Steve Ember
(*)
FiDi Nights No.5 - Ironwork and Subway Globes, Lower Broadway
Steve Ember
(**)
ThamesScape No.2 - Bishop's 'Crooklet' - -A FiDi Impression
Steve Ember
claudine capello 22/01/2025 10:45
jolie......éclairage ! bravo cl