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Skyscraper Zoning: New York's Pioneering Role

1992; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 58; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/01944369208975794

1939-0130

Marc A. Weiss,

Seismic and Structural Analysis of Tall Buildings

Abstract Abstract Since the 1960s many cities have introduced new forms of downtown zoning to influence the design and amenities of large-scale development projects. These increasingly complex public strategies for regulating skyscrapers follow a tradition established by New York City's 1916 and 1961 zoning laws. The landmark 1916 law devised a compromise solution to the problem of real estate conflicts over the height and bulk of buildings in commercial districts by permitting tall buildings if they preserved a certain amount of light, air, and "open space in the sky." Zoning prescriptions for setbacks and towers generated a new style in skyscraper architecture. In the 1920s many cities adopted the New York setback formula instead of flat building height restrictions that would limit skyscraper development. New York's 1961 law shifted the focus to plazas and open space at ground level with a system of floor-area ratios and density bonuses. Again many municipalities enacted New York-style incentive zoning. New York City's innovative approaches have served as national models for mitigating the impacts of skyscrapers.