2808, 2011

Los Angeles City Hall

In a city where skyscrapers are taken for granted, Los Angeles City Hall still manages to turn heads. This seat of L.A. city government was the city’s tallest building for forty years, as new constructions were limited by building codes and earthquake stress concerns. In 1968, City Hall finally lost its title, and is now only the 28th tallest building in Los Angeles. Still, the dated art deco architecture of the building makes it prominent in a field of generic steel-and-glass towers. At night, the white masonry of the building makes it stand out even more against a dark sky. Also illuminated and the featured in this video is the Court of Historic American Flags, lining

2508, 2011

Istanbul, Turkey

World Cities & Harbors
353

Built around the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul uniquely sits on two continents– Europe and Asia. This location, at the nexus of various cultures and trade routes, has had a great impact on the city’s history. Originally a Greek city, it was conquered by the Romans, who sought to make a “new Rome” on its desirable location. It was then conquered by the Ottoman Empire, who held it until the end of World War I. Today, Istanbul is the largest city in the independent republic of Turkey, but its frequent changes in ownership have made a lasting impression on its architecture. For example, the prominent Hagia Sophia– once the largest cathedral in the world– was built as an

1508, 2011

Warsaw, Poland

World Cities & Harbors
384

Situated between Germany and Russia, Poland saw more than its share of turmoil and warfare during the 20th century. Warsaw– Poland’s capital and largest city– was especially stricken. During World War II, the German army methodically demolished about 85% of the city in retaliation for a strong-willed resistance to Nazi occupation. After the war, the people of Poland rebuilt Warsaw, even recreating its historic buildings. Warsaw is now experiencing unprecedented economic prosperity. This eScapes scene highlights the city’s nightlife. A prominent landmark featured in this video is the curved Złote Tarasy– a shopping center, entertainment venue, and office building. The high view of the city is taken from the Warsaw Palace of Culture and Science, a

1208, 2011

Columbus, Ohio

American Cities
397

Columbus, the capital and largest city of Ohio, is one of the healthiest economic and cultural centers in the United States. A scenic cityscape, service-based economy, and wide assortment of cultural attractions makes the city one of the nation’s best places to work, play, or visit. This eScapes video features a scenic view of the Columbus skyline from across the Scioto River, including the striking art deco LeVeque Tower. Legend has it that the tower was built to be exactly one foot taller than the Washington Monument– though promoted as such, modern measurements show the difference to be less than one inch. Other landmarks in this scene include the stainless steel gavel outside the Ohio Supreme

1008, 2011

Cleveland, Ohio

American Cities
382

Cleveland, Ohio has made great strides in reinventing itself. Historically an industrial city known for its steel industry, Cleveland now boasts a vibrant cultural scene, service industries, and tourist attractions. Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor on Lake Erie unites the new and old city with the Steamship William G. Mather Maritime Museum. This “ship that built Cleveland” was the flagship for the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company for sixty years. Today, the ship is a floating museum, open for tours, and a venue for various cultural events. Other sights in North Coast Harbor featured in this eScapes video are the famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland Browns Stadium, and the Goodtime III, an

0208, 2011

Indianapolis, Indiana

American Cities
356

The beautiful Indiana Statehouse commands attention in downtown Indianapolis, but there’s far more to this Midwestern city than its role as a state capital. The Indianapolis cityscape is notable for its emphasis on nature and outdoor activity. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail, a 20-mile-long biking and walking path, takes residents and visitors on a scenic walk throughout the city, connecting its major cultural centers. Also adjacent to the trail is White River State Park, a beautiful urban green space perfect for recreation or relaxation away from the activity of the city. Gota (full name Gota Yashiki) is a jazz and pop percussionist, vocalist, and producer. Before his solo debut, he worked with artists including Seal and Sinead

2907, 2011

Chicago at Night

The skyline of Chicago is one of the most distinctive in the world and it’s especially beautiful when seen from the city’s Northerly Island peninsula. This vantage point provides an unbroken panorama of the cityscape. As always, the John Hancock Center and Willis Tower (best known by its former name, the Sears Tower) are standout landmarks. The round Shedd Aquarium can be also be seen in the foreground. The most-visited cultural attraction in Chicago, the Aquarium needed 160 rail car trips to carry a million gallons of salt water from Key West for its opening in 1930. Another brilliant vista of the city featured in this video is the cityscape from Navy Pier. The carnival-like atmosphere

2507, 2011

Seattle (Elliott Bay Waterfront)

In this eScapes video– a sample of our 500th completed episode— we take you to the waterfront of Seattle, Washington. This harbor in Puget Sound’s Elliott Bay was a center of activity in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when these piers were used by foreign traders and gold-seekers heading to Alaska. As Seattle’s shipping industry modernized during and after World War II, many old piers were functionally replaced by larger ports with better machinery. Today, Pier 57, featured in this scene, is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions, including a hand-carved carousel that is one of the oldest in North America. Those seeking a more relaxing time can sit and watch

2107, 2011

Rome

World Cities & Harbors
415

Rome may be the most important city that has ever been built. The capital of an empire that controlled the entire Mediterranean region, most of Europe, and significant parts of Asia, Rome’s influence on the fundamentals of Western civilization is unmatched. Western language, art, religion, government, architecture, medicine, and much more are all rooted in Roman innovation. Many Rome sights featured in this eScapes scene hint at the civilization’s cultural legacy. This eScapes scene features the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Minerveo obelisk, an iconic Roman arched bridge, and the ruins of the Roman Forum, the former center of Roman democracy. Boney James is a saxophonist who, despite his resistance to being labeled as strictly

1607, 2011

New York City Harbor

The one-of-a-kind atmosphere of New York City is evident in the skyline of Lower Manhattan as seen from the mouth of the East River. Just as iconic as the skyscrapers are the spaces between them: the famous New York City grid layout provides clear lines of sight for miles down the long streets parallel to the Hudson River. A short ferry ride from Battery Park (visible at the beginning of this eScapes video) is the Statue of Liberty. The most enduring symbol of New York City, as well as the entire United States, the popularity of the statue is rivaled only by the iconic Empire State Building, which was the tallest building in the world from