{"id":2660,"date":"2008-01-13T19:37:54","date_gmt":"2008-01-14T00:37:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/spacingtoronto.ca\/?p=2660"},"modified":"2008-01-13T23:47:41","modified_gmt":"2008-01-14T04:47:41","slug":"the-highline-adaptive-reuse-of-industrial-infrastructure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spacing.ca\/toronto\/2008\/01\/13\/the-highline-adaptive-reuse-of-industrial-infrastructure\/","title":{"rendered":"The Highline: adaptive reuse of industrial infrastructure"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"highline<\/p>\n

NEW YORK <\/strong>– The Highline is one of the most actively discussed public space projects in New York and for a very good reason. It is setting a precedent in North America for adaptive reuse of industrial infrastructure laid dormant by the mass exodus of industry from urban centres. At just over 2 kilometers long, the Highline is a former train bridge spanning 30′-60′ wide, elevated 20′-30′ above the city and represents 6.7 acres of unused space.<\/p>\n

Constructed between 1929-1934 in order to remove train traffic from 10th Avenue, then known as Death Avenue for all the train, vehicle, and pedestrian accidents, it was seen as the model for urban industrial progress. \"10thIt weaves its way over the streets of west side Manhattan from Hells Kitchen, through Chelsea, ending in Gaensvort Market; through narrow passages, bridging streets, and slicing through buildings it exudes an aura of power and dominance so suited to this mid 19th century industrial neighbourhood. Last used in 1980 to deliver a load of frozen turkeys to the meat packing district, this hulking steel ribbon, rusting and graffiti covered, slowly succumbing to the forces of nature and urban development, was facing a bleak future.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

It wasn’t until the creation of a group called Friends of the Highline, founded in 1999 in order to protect the structure from further demolition, that a concerted effort was put forth to find a reuse for the bridge. Local residents fought and won a court battle in 2001, after former Mayor Giuliani signed documents requiring the demolition of the Highline. It was decided that the best use of the space would be as an elevated linear park and in 2003 a design brief was released to landscape architects and architects world wide. After the initial 79 entries were pared down to 4 finalists, the design of the Master Plan<\/a> was awarded to landscape architecture firm Field Operations and architect Diller Scofidio + Renfro with planting design by Piet Oudolf. With four clear principles, keep it simple, keep it wild, keep it quiet and keep it slow, the team has developed a sensitive design which allows the past, present and future to be an integral part of the function of this new public space.<\/p>\n

The preliminary design for the Highline takes into account the rugged and brutish quality of the existing structure, complimenting this form with a sensitive yet detailed planting design evoking the wild aspect of the overgrown tracks of pre restoration. A series of entry points will be stitched into the existing fabric of the community creating seamless and gracious entry points to the elevated structure. Diller Scofidio + Renfro have been careful in their deft use of clean lines and visually light structures defining the restoration of the Highline as a continuum of the urban fabric while simultaneously signifying its part as a contemporary work of art and integral piece of urban infrastructure. The surface walkways will be constructed of linear concrete planks reminiscent of the former rail lines, highlighting the linear quality of the space. Through the combined use of liner planking, varied plant materials and landscape typologies, a series of distinctly different spaces will be created. Areas for lounging, exploration, prospect and refuge create a dynamic landscape which will produce an ever changing experience providing a truly multifaceted, multiuse space.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Residents of New York had the foresight and the strength to fight for the restoration of what was viewed by many as a hulking structure, visually and physically separating the city. Now they will have an elevated park running through the middle of a neighbourhood sorely lacking in public space. The hatred for similar structures like the Gardiner Expressway should be tempered. We should be looking at these structures, already in existence, already standing, as opportunities to create amazing transit networks and linear, elevated urban parks. It is important to look beyond what these structures represent in there current form and look to the future, open our minds and our eyes to the possibility that these structures present. Imagine a linear park that stretched from the Humber to the Don, elevated high above the traffic with amazing views of the city and the lake!<\/p>\n

Currently the Highline is in the process of its structural restoration. The past 3 years have been spent restoring the badly deteriorating steel structure and readying the platform for the construction of the new landscape. The first section of the highline is expected to open in late summer 2008 and will undoubtedly be the beginning of a sea change in way North America views its urban infrastructure. From its heyday as early 20th century modern industrial infrastructure to the depths of neglect and abuse, the Highline represents the potential that exists in every city across this continent.<\/p>\n

*I highly recommend checking out the link to the Master Plan in order to fully understand the extent and complexity of the project. Also it’s a very nicely rendered and detailed overview.<\/p>\n

Image 1 – A view of the Highline pre-restoration
\nImage 2 – Before the Highline – 10th Avenue aka Death Avenue
\nImage 3 – Newly constructed Highline
\nImage 4 – Proposed entry by Diller Scofidio + Renfro Architects<\/p>\n

Joe Clement, a long-time Spacing magazine contributor, left his hometown of Toronto in the summer of 2007, and is now living in New York. He will be our Big Apple correspondent covering public space issues. If there are any particular ideas or topics you would like him to cover, leave a comment or email Spacing Toronto.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

NEW YORK – The Highline is one of the most actively discussed public space projects in New York and for a very good reason. It is setting a precedent in North America for adaptive reuse of industrial infrastructure laid dormant by the mass exodus of industry from urban centres. 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