Final answer:
Stacy perceives buildings as separate due to the variety in architectural design, materials, and history of building styles such as those influenced by Chicago School and 1916 Setback Law. Architects have used distinctive design elements to create easily distinguishable skyscrapers that contribute to the diverse city skyline.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stacy perceives the buildings as separate entities, not a single mass, because of the principles of architectural design and the use of various architectural styles, materials, and colors. The use of materials such as steel framing allows for distinct structures like those of the Chicago School, marked by their use of steel-frame buildings with masonry cladding and large window areas. The 1916 Setback Law influenced New York skyscrapers' design, leading to zoned setbacks and the famous "wedding cake" style seen in buildings like the Chrysler Building. While the Chicago School displayed a more horizontal aesthetic, with a clear division between the base and tower, New York skyscrapers emphasized verticality and cohesion. Moreover, architects during different periods, such as the Modernists, aimed at reducing buildings to pure forms, stripping away historical references and ornamental details. This diversity in approaches and designs aids in the distinction of individual buildings within a city skyline.