The Art of Noticing

The Art of Noticing

Splitsville

The payoff of an open-ended project

Rob Walker
Jul 24, 2026
∙ Paid

Today a quick word of praise for an excellent project, from one of my favorite newsletter writer/photographers. I forgot to include it in last week’s “other news” roundup. But just as well, because now I can give it a bit more spotlight!

SYZYGY is a side project of photographer Rob Stephenson, whose newsletter The Neighborhoods I’ve touted ibefore. Since at least 2013, Rob has, in the course of his various explorations, been noticing and photographing “split” houses around New York City — “houses that resemble single-family homes until a closer look reveals that they have been divided into two independent residences.” Recently he shared an incredibly cool related site he’s made, where you can match up different half-houses in endless variation — so fun!

A little more on the project (and that name!) below.

Rob Stephenson, The Neighborhoods
SYZYGY

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