Modeling Landscape

Transparent New York: All the layers of Manhattan's landscape, as envisioned by architect Brian McGrath. In his consideration of “The Word Itself,” Jackson articulates “landscape” in both concrete and abstract terms. Jackson deems “landscape” to be a shared space with a distinctive character that possesses a sense of permanence. Through his research of other interpretations of the word, including artists’ and the dictionary definition itself, he concludes that landscape is man-made, synthetic, and distinctly separate from natural spaces. Architect Brian McGrath’s computer modeling project, “Manhattan Timeformations,” presents a unique exploration of Manhattan’s landscape. By layering the different levels of manmade systems in Manhattan, McGrath, much like Jackson, articulates the “cityscape” in both concrete and abstract terms. These layers of “urban information,” as he calls them, include “geologic formation, settlement patterns, landfill, transportation and communications infrastructure, zoning laws and real estate cycles.” The inclusion of zoning laws and real estate cycles as having a permanent effect on Manhattan’s landscape relates directly to Jackson’s assertion that landscape is man-made. These social, political, and economic forces have had a direct effect on Manhattan’s development, from the early settlement of New Amsterdam to the Commissioner’s Plan of 1811, to the 1916 Zoning Law. Most of all, these forces contribute to Manhattan’s landscape as part of our “shared reality” (302). McGrath’s computer modeling provides an interactive, three-dimensional experience of Manhattan’s man made layers. The Transparent New York page provides the most detailed information about Manhattan’s landscape development. Click around to see New York in terms of historic districts, Dutch settlement, elevated trains, urban renewal, and more. For even more of McGrath’s interpretation of Manhattan’s development, check out his book, Transparent Cities (1994).