As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, New York City's public parks get more crowded between a greater volume of visitors and public events like concerts, movie screenings, and outdoor workout classes. But for some New York City residents, an outdoor oasis is just an elevator ride away.
To meet light and air requirements imposed by the NYC Department of Buildings, it is increasingly common for residential developers to carve out courtyard space in the middle of a site. However, it is almost never left at that, but rather lushly planted, thoughtfully furnished, and embraced by residents when move-ins begin. The vast majority are accessible from the lobby, though it is not uncommon for buildings to offer access through a fitness center and/or lounge, thus creating indoor/outdoor amenity space.
Some landscape architects go one step further and draw direct inspiration from city parks. At the Hell's Kitchen rental VIA 57 West, the 22,000-square-foot courtyard offers the same proportions as Central Park, but on a dramatically smaller scale (h/t Arch Daily). On the sales side, the Secret Garden at 200E20th was inspired by the nearby Gramercy Park and offers a similar atmosphere of quiet contemplation.
Read the full article at the CityRealty website.