Tools

The app also includes handy resources to help you better understand the architecture around you and the role preservation plays. These include a Language of Landmarks tool and a Glossary of Architectural Terms, helping you to become a wealth of knowledge during your walk!

Language of Landmarks

In 1965, the Landmarks Law was signed by Mayor Wagner and empowered the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to designate and regulate historic districts and individual landmarks.

Historic District: An area of the city designated by the LPC to safeguard the special character or “sense of place” that results from the area’s architectural, historical, or cultural significance.

Individual (Exterior) Landmark: A structure at least 30 years old with architectural, historical, or cultural value that is designated by the LPC to protect its significant exterior features.

Individual (Interior) Landmark: An extraordinary interior space designated by the LPC to secure architectural features, fixtures and spatial characteristics that might be lost in future renovations or alterations. To qualify, interiors must be at least 30 years old, generally open to the public, and not used for religious purposes.

Scenic Landmark: City-owned landscapes, either natural or man-made, which the

LPC protects by designation to maintain their contribution to the shape of the city and to the quality of life within it.

Glossary of Architectural Terms

Adapted from New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission Rowhouse Manual

areaway The open space between a rowhouse and the sidewalk, usually beside the stoop.

awning A projecting shading device, usually of canvas, mounted on the outside of a door or window.

baluster One of a series of short vertical posts, often ornamental, used to support a rail.

balustrade A railing composed of balusters and a top rail running along the edge of a porch, balcony, roof, or stoop.

bay A regularly repeating division of a facade, marked by fenestration.

bay window A projecting form containing windows that rises from the ground or from some other support, such as a porch roof; see also oriel.

bracket A projecting angled or curved form used as a support, found in conjunction with balconies, lintels, pediments, cornices, etc.

capital The topmost member, usually decorated, of a column or pilaster.

casement A window sash that is hinged on the side.

colonnade A row of regularly spaced columns supporting an entablature.

column A vertical cylindrical support. In classical design it is composed of a base (except in the Greek Doric order), a long, gradually tapered shaft, and a capital.

corbel An architectural member which projects upward and outward from a wall that supports a horizontal member.

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