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Tilt-shift effect of a cityscape with tall building in the center
  • Tilt-shift effect of a cityscape with tall building in the center
  • Skyscrapers in Boston against blue sky with sun reflecting.
Glass Ceiling

Glass Ceiling

Boston, United States

Two Massachusetts state laws prohibit new shadows being cast onto Boston Common and the Public Gardens for a large part of the day, with restrictions being slightly different for the Midtown Cultural District in summertime. This ensures these essential public spaces are protected of excessive shadowing while the city develops.

Construction plans for the depicted tall glass Winthrop Center did not sit within the state law regulations. After many debates, a one-off home petition was signed by the governor, exempting it from the shadow rules. Though advocacy groups unsuccessfully challenged this decision, a compromise was found in the form of payments to the city to support the city's inhabitants and public spaces.

A surprise for anyone who didn't already know: if you too were read 'Make way for ducklings' as a youngster, you will be delighted to know it is set in exactly these protected Public Gardens, not too far away from this shot. If you ever get a chance, the small ducklings are well worth a visit - and they get to enjoy sunshine thanks to the laws!
$55.00

Free shipping

Image Specifications

The print you will receive is true to the full-size first product photograph. On the second product image the wall art has been set in scene for inspiration, which may have slightly distorted the image.
Product Specifications

Print
Matte Paper 235gsm

Additional Border (if selected)
A1 - 6cm / A2 - 4cm / A3 - 3cm / A4 - 2cm

Frame (if selected)
crafted from high quality sustainable Australian timber - 4cm depth / 2cm face reveal

Overall Product Size
Print (no border): stated in brackets during selection - true to A1-A4 dimensions
Print (with border):stated in brackets during selection - borders are added to the selected image size, increasing the overall print size by 2x border in each direction
Frame: adds 2cm in each direction to print size - with or without border
Manufacturing

We collaborate with local print & frame shops to support their business, minimize shipping distances and maximise sustainability.
Our frames are made from high-quality Australian timber.
Free Shipping

Production
Products are individually handled and crafted to order. They will be shipped within 7-14 business days of receiving the order.

Shipping
Free Australia-wide shipping within 7 business days, with metro areas typically experiencing faster delivery than non-metro areas.
Return policy

We hope you enjoy displaying your art as much as we did making it. If this isn't the case, please get in touch so we can do our best to find a solution.

Please note:

As all personalised prints are crafted to order, they cannot be returned. Please ensure you have made the correct measurements and calculations in preparation for decorating your space. If you are unsure or have any further questions, please reach out to info@scenic-science.com before you place your order.

In the case of damage incurred during shipping, please contact us immediately. A description and pictures of the damage will help assess the situation and let us resolve the issue.
Subject Sources & Reading

Shadow Legislation | Friends of the Public Garden - https://friendsofthepublicgarden.org/shadowlegislation/ (8 July 2026)
Massachusetts Lawmakers Delay Vote on Bill to Relax Boston's Shadow Laws | Engineering News-Record - https://www.enr.com/articles/42241-article-headline (8 July 2026)

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