Lukas Novotny, "Modern New York: The Illustrated Story of Architecture in the Five Boroughs from 1920 to Today" (Rizzoli, 2023)

Lukas Novotny, "Modern New York: The Illustrated Story of Architecture in the Five Boroughs from 1920 to Today" (Rizzoli, 2023)

From New Books in Architecture by Marshall Poe

April 25, 2026 · 33 min

About this episode

Lukas Novotny discusses his book on the evolution of architecture in New York City from 1920 to today, highlighting both iconic and overlooked buildings.

In Modern New York: The Illustrated Story of Architecture in the Five Boroughs from 1920 to Today (Rizzoli, 2023), Lukas Novotny calls attention not just to the icons-- the Empire State, Chrysler, or Seagram, but also to overlooked fine new buildings in the outer boroughs. Here too, in dozens of illustrated sidebars, we glimpse the evolution of city buses, cabs, ferry boats, tugs and airplanes. A delight for tourist or scholar! But we are also left to wonder--did the incessant demand to maximize square footage in new building result in “modern” once iconic, becoming tedious ? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/architecture

People in this episode

Host: Marshall Poe

Guest: Lukas Novotny

Topics covered

  • architecture
  • New York City
  • urban development
  • historical buildings
  • modern architecture

Keywords

  • architecture
  • New York
  • Lukas Novotny
  • Rizzoli
  • modern buildings
  • urban evolution
  • historical architecture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Rizzoli

Books & works: Modern New York: The Illustrated Story of Architecture in the Five Boroughs from 1920 to Today

Places: New York, Five Boroughs

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