Why New York Built Apartments in a Straight Line
At a glance, it feels almost too simple to question. Rows of buildings, repeating in straight lines, shaping the way New York looks and moves. But this pattern wasn’t accidental — it was a decision. Behind it lies a way of thinking about space, order, and how a growing city could organize itself without losing control. What seems ordinary today was once a solution to a much larger problem. This video explores why New York chose this approach — and how that single idea went on to define the city’s landscape. If you enjoy cinematic explorations of design, cities, and the ideas behind them, consider subscribing for more. Time Stamp 0:00 The 1811 Grid 2:30 The Floor Plan 7:00 The Landlord's Math 13:00 Life Inside 18:30 Labor & Sweatshops 24:00 Reform & Its Limits 29:30 Then vs. Now
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