Snaking through Manhattan’s fashionable West Side, the newly opened High Line Park offers views of the Hudson River at skyscraper level. The vegetation-covered park is a hot topic in New York City right now following its June 9 reopening party.
The original art-deco railing, which was built in the 1930s, was kept by the design team of landscape architects James Corner Field Operations, with architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro.
The updated features are composed of new pathways and seating as well as fresh vegetation.
Used as a railway line carrying freight in New York’s Meatpacking District before 1980, the 1.45-mile High Line was under the threat of demolition 10 years ago. Thanks to generous supporters of the community, a re-design project, which cost US $152 million, got the city’s support in 2002.
The second section of the High Line Park, which will stretch 10 city blocks, is scheduled to be completed in 2010.
Parks in the Sky
‘The High Line' Lets You Enjoy Manhattan at Skyscraper Height
Trend Themes
1. Urban Parks - Creating elevated urban parks offers a unique and innovative way to utilize space in densely populated cities.
2. Reuse and Repurpose - Transforming old infrastructure, such as disused railway lines, into public parks showcases the potential for adaptive reuse and sustainable development.
3. Green Spaces - The growing popularity of green spaces in urban areas presents opportunities for businesses to provide eco-friendly products and services.
Industry Implications
1. Landscape Architecture - Design and architecture firms specializing in landscape architecture can offer their expertise in creating urban parks like the High Line.
2. Tourism and Hospitality - The development of urban parks like the High Line can attract tourists and create opportunities for hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses in the surrounding area.
3. Sustainability and Eco-friendly Products - As the demand for green spaces increases, businesses in the sustainability industry can capitalize on providing eco-friendly products, materials, and technologies for the development and maintenance of urban parks.