11/23/10 - "Sidewalk Skyscraper"

"Sidewalk Skyscraper"

     After re-shooting the manhole covers yesterday, and having a little time before my lunch hour ended, I kept my eyes to the ground as I walked back to 30 Rock. Along the sidewalks on 49th Street there are trees. I don't know what kind of trees they are - but regardless, they are there. Surrounding the trunks of these trees are decorative brass (or maybe bronze - I can't tell the difference) covers. My guess is they're there to keep the meager plot of soil that surrounds each tree from being trod upon, until it becomes nearly as hard as the asphalt paving the adjoining streets. The little bits of yellow and orange visible in these grates are fallen leaves (not cigarette butts, as I first thought.)

     I'm assuming that the stylized building is an artistic representation of the Empire State building, but that's just a guess. I did a quick online search, to see if I could find any definitive information as to their origin, but I failed miserably. If anyone has a better idea as to what they are please let me know. 

Thanks. 

Links:
"Sidewalk Skyscraper" prints available here.
More about Rockefeller Center.

Camera Data

Make:Canon
Model:Canon EOS 5D
Shutter Speed:1/166 second
Aperture:F/10.0
Focal Length:45 mm
ISO Speed:800
Date Taken:Nov 22, 2010, 2:35:04 PM
Software:Adobe Photoshop CS Windows