David Vega-Barachowitz investigates the policies, stakeholders and theories that have historically shaped street design standards in the US, and calls on designers to rethink how we share and use our roads.

In our final video on complex urban systems, writer Elizabeth Royte offers a snapshot of the past, present and future of what happens to New Yorkers’ trash once it leaves the curb.

Joshua Nelson explains how freight rail works in New York, reflecting on rail’s environmental and economic advantages as well as its role in getting potatoes to your local market.

Michael Chen investigates the physical, spatial and technological significance of the infrastructure of mobile communication networks.

In our third video on complex urban systems, mechanic Jim Ferrari takes us behind closed doors to reveal the inner workings of a midtown Manhattan office building.

In our second video on complex urban systems, we consider the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge as both an icon of civil engineering and a catalyst for systemic urban change.

Carter Craft and Christina Sun explain how the use of short-distance, waterborne freight transport can improve the health, efficiency and landscape of New York City.

In the first of a new video series about complex urban systems, we take a closer look at traffic signals citywide and visit the Traffic Management Center in Long Island City.

In a city of islands, who makes sure our waterways are safe and working? Cdr. Linda Sturgis and Lt. Cdr. Ed Munoz shed light on what it takes to manage and protect one of our most important assets.

Photographer Stanley Greenberg talks to us about hidden systems, the photographer’s role in inspiring transformation, and issues of access, security and the public’s right to know.