The New Public Water

Drinking water is all around us, but just out of reach. Can simple tweaks to the city’s emergency infrastructure radically expand access to this precious resource?

Pipeline Territories

With natural gas dependency on the rise, thousands of miles of pipe connect New York City to a vast and dangerous geography of extraction.

Buried Grudges

From deadly explosions to silent climate warming emissions, the contemporary troubles of the city's gas infrastructure have roots in the tumult surrounding its installation more than a century ago.

Moving Meat

Factory-farmed food fills most plates and stocks most supermarkets in New York City. But upstate, a scrappy network fights to build an alternative infrastructure to deliver better steaks and sausages.

Gas Flows Below

Paint-scribbled sigils mark the spots where pipes bear natural gas — more now than ever — to stove tops and turbines. But what does this trend mean for public safety and climate change?

Underexposed

Underexposed | 12

In the middle of a paved Midtown park, tunnel air whirs through 46 huge fans.

Underexposed

Underexposed | 11

In West Harlem, a wastewater treatment plants hides beneath a 28-acre state park.

Illuminated Futures

The city that never sleeps depends on 396,572 street lights. As bright white LEDs replace the familiar amber glow, what does tomorrow (night) hold?

Underexposed

Underexposed | 10

In Long Island City, stunted electrical poles mark some of the city's most contested real estate.

Shelf Life

Cataloging Comfort

A recently uncovered album reveals some of New York City parks' least exposed precincts — their public bathrooms.