Aerial Photographer Peter Massini Captures NYC’s Hidden Rooftop Patios and Gardens

Peter Massini is a multi-disciplinary photographer, working on architecture, landscapes, and graphic patterns. But his specialty is aerial views, for which he hangs from the open door of a helicopter on almost a daily basis. 6sqft got a look at one of his recent aerial collections of New York City’s rooftop patios and gardens that he shot from 1,500 feet in the air. These hidden oases reveal an entirely unique mashup of concrete jungle and green space. “What led me to shoot these from above was my interest in true green roofs and their benefits for the eye as well as the environment,” Peter told us.

This collection shows the way apartment dwellers inhabit their rooftops. From umbrellas to lounge chairs and flower beds to trees, we see the leisurely nature of these spaces.

Some of the images also document the more active functions of roofs, like the swing set shown above.

“After a little research and edification,” Peter shot these aerial images while on a job over Central Park from his Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter. He plans to document these spaces throughout the rest of the city this summer.

View more photos from this collection in 6sqft’s gallery below. And see all Peter Massini’s work here and follow him on Instagram @bigcityaerials.

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