One design challenge architects in New York City encounter is the “Right to Light” requirement in Midtown Manhattan. A mid-nineteenth century law gave the long-standing owner of a building with windows the right to maintain the level of illumination by forbidding construction that would block access to natural light. This law led to an easement which is commonly referred to as “Right to Light” or the doctrine of "Ancient Lights.” Waldram Analysis, a process developed by Percy J. Waldram, demonstrates adherence to the law, but the manual process can take up to a week. 

In collaboration with Development Consulting Services, Inc., a zoning consulting company located in New York City, MADE designed and developed a tool to complete Waldram Analysis within twenty minutes by automating all processes using Grasshopper for Rhino.

Team:

Principal in Charge:
David Merlin

Project Team:
Robert Mosby

Collaborators:

Client:
Development Consulting Services