3420 miles
90° F
Gas: $2.89
New York City is the one town in the Northeast that we have already visited. We came here in July 2007 during a break in our Montreal study abroad trip. We visited all the major buildings then, and hoped to see different things this trip (as well as be more relaxed.)
Our friend Simon (who was the other groomsperson in our wedding) has just moved to New York City and will be attending Columbia University starting next Tuesday. He is studying for his masters in architecture.
Simon gave us a tour of Columbia. He is standing in front of Avery Hall, site of his future studio.
We rode bikes on Governor's Island, an old military base that is being converted into a state park. To attract tourists, they are renting bikes free for one hour on Fridays. Based on the lines, it was working well.
The red steps are an architecture project Simon was excited to show us. It is in Times Square, called TKTS Booth by John Choi and Tai Ropiha. It is like bleachers, open for the public to climb and sit and have an elevated view of Times Square. The primary structure is structural glass, (meaning that glass holds it up). Underneath is a ticket booth for Broadway performances.
Another public project I was eager to see was the Highline by Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The Highline was an abandoned set of subway tracks, one story above street level. Plants have been growing on it for years, but no work has been done on it. This firm won a competition for the public walkway design of this space. They integrate concrete walkways, greenery, and seating with beautiful lines.
We had dinner one night at Wild Ginger Kitchen, a vegan restaurant. Stephen's sweet & sour dish tasted just like chicken.
The three of us attended a service at St. John the Divine, which will be the tallest cathedral (if they finish.)
"That's the problem with public projects. They're too popular." -Stephen
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