New york cornice

The iconic New York cornice!

A cornice is a decorative architectural feature that crowns the top of a building, typically a row of buildings. In New York City, cornices are a defining characteristic of many historic buildings, particularly those in the city's iconic neighborhoods like Manhattan's Upper East Side, Greenwich Village, and Brooklyn's Park Slope.

Here are some interesting facts about New York cornices:

1. Historical significance: Cornices were a hallmark of 19th-century architecture in New York City. They were often designed to be ornate and decorative, reflecting the city's growing wealth and cultural sophistication during the Gilded Age.
2. Materials: Cornices were typically made from materials like wood, stone, or terra cotta. The most common materials used were wood (especially ornate wooden brackets) and terra cotta (a type of ceramic material).
3. Design styles: New York cornices often feature ornate designs, such as:
   • Classical elements like columns, arches, and pediments
   • Ornate brackets and corbels
   • Decorative moldings and carvings
   • Geometric patterns and motifs
4. Functionality: While cornices are primarily decorative, they also served a practical purpose: they helped to:
   • Protect the building's roof from weather damage
   • Provide additional structural support
   • Create a sense of continuity and cohesion between buildings
5. Preservation efforts: Many historic New York buildings have undergone restoration and preservation efforts to maintain their original cornices. This is crucial for preserving the city's architectural heritage and cultural identity.
6. Modern interpretations: While traditional cornices are still admired and preserved, modern architects and designers have also incorporated cornice-inspired elements into contemporary buildings. This can include simplified, minimalist designs or innovative uses of materials and textures.

Some notable examples of iconic New York cornices include:

• The iconic cornice of the Plaza Hotel on Central Park South
• The ornate cornice of the Brooklyn Museum in Prospect Park
• The elegant cornice of the New York Public Library on 42nd Street
• The decorative cornice of the iconic brownstones in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood

These are just a few examples of the many beautiful and historic cornices that can be found throughout New York City.