NYC does this through zoning regulations. Older buildings were typically designed with setbacks [1]. After zoning code changes in the 1960s most buildings beca

NYC does this through zoning regulations. Older buildings were typically designed with setbacks [1]. After zoning code changes in the 1960s most buildings became tall boxes attached to open plazas or low rise buildings instead. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1916_Zoning_Resolution https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1916_Zoning_Resolution