If you are looking for a dose of design on a beautiful September day and haven’t yet seen the High Line in NYC, then this is your chance! The High Line is a public park promenade constructed on the remnants of a railway built in the 1930’s that runs 30 feet above Manhattan between 10th and 11th Avenues, from 34th Street to Gansevoort Street in the meatpacking district. The first phase opened to the public June 9, 2009.
The design, lead by, Principal in charge James Corner of Field Operations, and architectural team, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, is meant to be a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city to a floating green space with views of the Hudson River. The design keeps the “romance in ruins” by maintaining some elements of its gritty past such as railroad ties and graffiti art among the grasses and trees. The designers used the remnants to create special moments along the walk to stop and take in the history of the site by using the railroad tracks to create movable benches that slide along the rails to create intimate groups or using the old train shed windows to make a beautiful peice of art glass.
The first portion of the three-section High Line, which runs near the Hudson River from Gansevoort Street to West 20th Street, will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. There are entrances at Gansevoort Street (stairs) and at 16th Street (elevator); exits are located every few blocks.
The second phase, which extends to 30th Street, is under construction and expected to be completed by fall 2010. The third phase, up to 34th Street, has yet to be approved.The project has already transformed the area near its 22-block stretch near the river, prompting some of the most ambitious development in the city in years.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/06/08/arts/design/20090608_HIGHLINEPANO_INTERACTIVE.html
http://www.thehighline.org/events/all/2009/9
http://www.dillerscofidio.com/
October 7th, 2009 at 8:53 am The lighting design for the High line is also unique in that all of the sources are concealed.
October 16th, 2009 at 6:56 am this is very cool! who knew?