Creative Spaces

Rooftop and Amphitheater

  • A high-angle, wide shot shows a modern rooftop terrace featuring a prominent, bright yellow rectangular structure that resembles an open-air amphitheater. This yellow feature has integrated gray stone bleacher seating that descends toward a tiled walkway. The surrounding rooftop is paved with large, light-colored square tiles and is bordered by safety railings and the glass walls of the building's upper floor. In the background, older brick academic-style buildings with gothic details contrast with the modern rooftop, all under a bright, partly cloudy sky. The urban landscape of the city extends toward the horizon.

  • A high-angle, wide shot looking down a flight of gray stone bleacher stairs onto a flat, tiled rooftop terrace. The stairs are flanked by two bright yellow, angled architectural walls with metal handrails. A matching yellow horizontal beam spans across the top of the frame, creating a rectangular window-like view of the urban horizon. Beyond the terrace, a dense cityscape of various office buildings and skyscrapers stretches toward the horizon under a bright blue sky filled with wispy white clouds. The scene is captured in bright, natural daylight.

  • A wide landscape shot at twilight features a modern, brightly lit white building in the center foreground, surrounded by an urban environment. The building's interior glow highlights its grid-like window pattern, while a distinct, glowing yellow structure and a smaller rectangular

  • A medium shot captures a group of people socializing during an evening event on an outdoor rooftop terrace. The foreground and middle ground show various individuals in semi-formal and business-casual attire—some standing in small groups, others walking—rendered with a slight motion blur that suggests a lively atmosphere. In the background, the illuminated New York City skyline stretches across the horizon under a dusky, dark blue sky, featuring prominent skyscrapers and city lights. The terrace is paved with light-colored square tiles, and a safety cable railing runs along the edge, separating the guests from the urban backdrop.

  • A wide-angle, eye-level outdoor shot at night shows a woman in a blue cardigan and white trousers standing on a light-colored stone patio, her back to the camera. She faces a large, diverse audience seated on stone bleachers that are part of a modern, bright yellow architectural structure with sharp angles and a large overhead overhang. The scene is illuminated by warm, artificial lights embedded in the structure. To the right of the woman, a black speaker on a tripod and a smaller amplifier on the ground are visible. The dark night sky is visible in the background.

Spitzer’s roof features amenities that benefit our community, including the amphitheater, the paved terrace, the Solar Roof Pod, and the urban garden. For the time being, the Solar Roof Pod and the urban garden are closed. They may not be used due to life safety concerns.

The amphitheater and the terrace are open to students, faculty, staff, and approved visitors for event-related activities, provided these guidelines are observed.

To ensure the roof remains a safe, enjoyable, and respectful shared space for everyone, we kindly ask you to follow the policy and guidelines below.

The rooftop is under 24-hour surveillance to ensure the safety of everyone in our community. Please understand that unauthorized access to non-designated rooftop areas will result in disciplinary action.

Access Policy

• Access: Monday through Friday from 7am to 6pm. The roof may be used only during designated hours. Times are subject to change.
• Authorized Users: Access is open to Spitzer Faculty, Staff, and Students and The City College of New York Community.
• Key Access Required: Please enter through the main entrance, which is located at the top of the atrium elevated staircase. Please do not prop the main entrance door open. ADA access is available via the freight elevator on the northeast side of the building. CUNY is not responsible for any injuries or lost items.
• Available for your use: The paved terrace, within the gray fencing, and amphitheater seating.
• Closed for now: The Solar Roof-pod and the Urban Garden due to life safety concerns, Spring 2027.

Guidelines for Use

• Study groups or quiet individual reflection
• Public events approved by the College/Division
• Instruction or lessons (with prior approval from Dean and Chairperson)
• Small gatherings of students, staff, or faculty
• Cleanliness: Please clean up after yourself. Dispose of trash in designated bins.
• Food and Drinks: You are permitted to bring food and/or drinks onto the rooftop.
• Furniture: Do not bring, move, or damage rooftop furniture. Report any broken items to operations.
• Noise Levels: Be considerate—no loud music or disruptive behavior.

Event Policy

• Approval: Use of the rooftop for an event must be approved by the Dean’s office and Operations. This applies to internal and external events.
• Plan ahead: Events should be scheduled 2-4 weeks in advance through the Department of Events Management, [email protected] and coordinated with Spitzer operations staff.
• Sponsored: Events on the rooftop must be sponsored by a organization, department, or faculty member.
• Supervised: A staff or faculty supervisor must be present at all organized events.
• Capacity: The rooftop capacity is 200 people.

Prohibited Activities or Items

• Climbing on ledges, rails, or any non-walkable surfaces, including on top of the amphitheater
• Smoking or Vaping: Smoking of any kind is prohibited. The rooftop (as is the CCNY campus) is a smoke-free zone.
• Consumption of alcohol
• Open Flames: Grills, candles, or any open flames are strictly PROHIBITED for safety.
• Furniture Use: Do not bring, move, or damage rooftop furniture. Report any broken items to Operations.
• Spray painting: Spray painting is prohibited on the roof and is considered vandalism in unauthorized locations. Please use the loading dock blacktop to conduct spray-painting of models or project components, and request chipboard from Operations.
• Camping out: Overnight stays, camping, or sleeping
• Posting signage, banners, or artwork without approval

Safety and Conduct

• Security cameras are in use to ensure the safety of everyone: cameras are on 24/7 & monitored by the CCNY Public Safety CCTV System
• Report any unsafe conditions, damage, or misuse to the Public Safety officer (first floor front desk) and Operations immediately.
• Adhere to all campus safety regulations and emergency procedures.
• Rooftop doors and exits may never be obstructed.
• Anyone found violating safety rules or behaving recklessly may be subject to disciplinary action.

Liabilities, Damages, and Violations

• Users are responsible for any damage or cleanup resulting from their use.
• The College is not responsible for personal belongings lost, stolen, or damaged while on rooftop premises.
• Any incidents or injuries must be reported immediately to CCNY Public Safety at (212) 650-7777 or extension 6911
• Failure to comply with this policy may result in:
o Loss of rooftop privileges
o Disciplinary referral to the Dean and Chairperson of Architecture
o Fines for damage or cleanup
o Possible legal consequences in cases of trespassing or endangerment

Capacity

• The Spitzer rooftop is a licensed public assembly area, approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings.
• Occupancy by more than 200 people at any one time is considered dangerous and unlawful.
• A gathering of more than 50 people requires the presence of a Fire Safety Director.

Contacts for Access and Event Approval

Policy Review and Changes: This policy will be reviewed annually by the Dean’s Office and Operations, in collaboration with Public Safety, Events, and Facilities Management. Amendments will be communicated via campus email and posted online.