Les in New York
Les is safely ensconced in New York and managed a gallery or two on his first day. There isn't much news yet on his work at the Cooper Hewitt Instiute, but early days yet.
Some pics of a gallery in Chelsea are included here. The yellow 'pumpkins' on the exterior of the building are the work of Yayoi Kusama and the latex suspended netting by Penny Hes Yassour.
Les has also had a wander around the West Chelsea district of New York and taken some photos of the Highline structure.
The Highline is an historic railway line that is currently being converted to an elevated, linear public space to create a "one-of-a kind recreational amenity: a grand, public promenade..." (Friends of the Highline; www.thehighline.org).
The pics that Les has taken show the existing structure from below. For more information, refer to the Friends of the Highline website: http://www.thehighline.org/ (and first image below). Check out the Design link, the slide show in that section and Planting Design - some really contemporary landscape design.
The Highline project was at least, in part, inspired by the Paris 'La Promenade Plantee' ( http://www.promenade-plantee.org/ ).
22 April 2009
Parks in NYC
With one eye on our little park project from a distance, I wanted to mention just some of the range of public spaces in NYC I’ve come across in my walks (pics to follow).
It’s spring here, so lots of the parks look great at present with flowering trees and flower beds. There’s also a range of formal and informal public art and design features to enjoy. Given a huge population on the move, most of these spaces are heavily used and the centre for street activities and general rest and recreation. Apartment living means that New Yorkers need to spill out into these spaces for exercise, dog-walking, children’s play and alfresco eating.
Recently Jan Gehl (a Danish city planning guru) has been advising NYC on the rescue of more public space in a city that is short on pedestrian paths and bikeways, and this has resulted in some road closures and more seating and rest areas, such as the ones in Madison Square and Rockefeller centre.
Check out http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/talking-with-jan-gehl-alfresco-draft/
Les
27 April 2009
Central Park, Battery Park and other locations
Les has sent through some pics of some areas within Cnetral Park and Battery Park, the Dimaggio Way next to the Hudson River and various streetscapes, most notably a new park area created at Madison Avenue, near Madison Square Garden. These pics have been placed in another blog post - Les in New York - continued.
Peter
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Comments
Simone, I share your enthusiasm for the delights of New York in Spring. Despite the constant traffic and noise, there does seem to be a concerted effort going on to reclaim the city for bikes and pedestrians and to create some havens away from the bustle. Up towards Morningside, near the cathedral of St John the Divine, I came across a little park with some very over the top public art. Around the perimeter of a big tableau of bronze figures was a series of little bronze animals and figurines, including a Noah's Ark overflowing with critters of all kinds. I'll try to post some pics. Apparently they were all based on designs created by students from the local schools. Hopefully the All Hallows girls are reading. C'mon girls get those design ideas in!
Hi Les,
Thank you so much for your comments regarding my preliminary ideas for Kemp Place Park.
I am excited also about up-lighting the trees. Lighting is a costly process but if we are able to utilise the current power from the street, it is possible to achieve. I too think it would enhance the park at night and put the focus back on the trees. Nature and green space are such important features to retain and highlight within the predominately hard urban landscape of Fortitude Valley.
There are many other ideas the artists discussed as a group today. We have the next week to pull the strongest elements of the entire collaboration together.
Be sure to check out Monte Laster's website. He is an American artist based in Paris who does large scale public community projects. His website is in French, however his contact details are under the "Renseignements" menu within his homepage. www.montelaster.com
Spring in New York - what a pleasure! I have only been there once but it was in Spring and my first vision of Manhattan was when I emerged stressed during rush hour from the gritty subway - only to be confronted by masses of cherry blossoms. Beautiful.
Best wishes,
Simone