The Highline in Manhattan

The Highline was a project discussed briefly in our first workshop of this year. That's going back a bit, so some information follows to jog or renew your memory.

The Highline is a raised railway line constructed in the 1930s and decommissioned in the 1980s. The line extends from the Meatpackers District through Chelsea on the West Side of Manhattan.

A one and a half mile (approx 2.4km) section of The Highline has been set aside as a linear park, with the first stage of the project, comprising approximately half of the project’s length, opening this year in early June.

The conservation of The Highline and its transformation into an urban park was initiated and executed by the Friends of the Highline (www.thehighline.org). The city and Federal Governments, in particular, substantially funded the project (total cost to over US$150 million), with significant support garnered from wealthy foundations and patrons of the project, as well as public donation.

James Corner Field Operations were the lead consultants (Landscape Architects) on the project. The design is understated and simple and beautifully detailed. The backdrop is the eclectic built environment of this area of New York which ranges from slick and new to the run-down back-of-house faces of some of the older buildings. There are openings to vistas of the Hudson River and undercrofts of buildings that straddle the Highline.

Narrow sections of exposed concrete direct the pedestrian, lifting up to form ‘peel-up benches’ or dissipating into fingers that penetrate planting areas that retain railway line artefacts. Planting design (by Piet Oudolf) is inspired by the wild, self-seeded landscape that preceded the park during its years of dormancy.

There are numerous elements to be enthusiastic about, but pictures speak louder than words. If there is one thing to take away, it’s the invitation to just wander and take it slowly and quietly ... because there is no traffic! This is pretty much the antithesis of the street life below and throughout this city.

Peter