From what I hear, the city planning was not that well planned, and all the buildings are too close together making life difficult.
But they are part of New York, and you become quite attached. As if there was not enough to see on ground level, when you look up there is always something to see. And how many movies and TV shows have scenes from the fire escape?
This one was taken in the afternoon sweet spot, meaning that the reflection of the sky was in all the windows.