United States 2007: Surrounded on all 4 sides by towering glass and metal skyscrapers and multi-million dollar apartments, Central Park is an incredible urban oasis. Entering the park is an amazing experience; almost immediately you feel like you have left the hectic city behind. Within the confines, there are 8 lakes, dozens of playing fields and 21 playgrounds in constant use. In 2013 it was estimated that over 500,000 people lived within half a mile of Central Park, so it’s mere existence and availability cannot be overstated.<back to Portfolio> 2007: The first metal fire escapes started appearing in New York in the 1860s after several fatal tenement building fires ripped through the city. Down in SoHo, the East Village and Greenwich Village they are particularly common. External fire escapes were phased out in 1968, when a law was passed for all new builds to have internal fire escapes. They are unlikely to disappear altogether as they are an iconic part of the urban landscape.<back to Portfolio> 2007: Brooklyn Bridge became the first steel-wire suspension bridge ever built when completed in 1883. More than 20 workers died during construction, including the designer, John Roebling. One week after the opening ceremony, more than 20,000 people were on it, and a rumour that the bridge might collapse spread amongst the crowd. People began to panic and 12 people were crushed in the ensuing stampede. It’s unknown how many people have since died on the Brooklyn Bridge, however, a suicide prevention barrier has been installed along with signage and support phone lines. <back to Portfolio> 2007: Little Italy’s most famous and important street is Mulberry Street and is almost all of what remains of the neighbourhood today. Little Italy is an amazing place to experience authentic Italian culture and food. For example, The Feast of San Gennaro is held for 11 days every September and is considered by many the oldest and most important feast of New York. It was originally held to celebrate the Patron Saint of Naples.<back to Portfolio>