Lecture 5 : Community Architecture

THE HIGH LINE, NEW YORK CITY.

The New York City High Line was an existing infrastructure. In 2003, an open competition was held to convert the existing infrastructure into a public park.

The new park offers an alluring break from the chaotic city streets as users have an opportunity to experience an elevated space with uninterrupted views of the Hudson River and the city skyline.

Every entrance is activated, a key component will attract users to spend time and explore the complete park. For instance, enter a little past 14th St. and enjoy the sundeck and water feature; enter close to 23rd St. to lounge on the open lawn and seating steps; or enter past 26th St. to enjoy the viewing area. Multifaceted space brings joy to everyone in this area.

Inspired by the wild seeded landscape left after the line had been abandoned, the team created a paving system that encourages natural growth which creates a ‘pathless’ landscape. ”Through a strategy of agri-tecture - part agriculture, part architecture – the High Line surface is digitized into discrete units of paving and planting. This undefined and unobtrusive environment allows the public to meander and experience the park as they wish. Besides, light plays an important role which is illuminate the park’s pathways and allow the eyes to adjust to the ambient light of the surrounding city sky.

“An extraordinary gift to our city’s future....It really does live up to its highest expectation.” - people says.

The recycling of the railway into an urban park has brought on the revitalization of Chelsea, which had been "gritty" and in generally poor condition in the late twentieth century. It has also spurred real estate development in the neighborhoods that lie along the line. The most surprising thing is the crime rate has been very low in the park. The success of the High Line in New York City has emerged "High Line effect". This has encouraged the leaders of other cities which several cities also have plans to renovate some railroad infrastructure into park land.

For this, I believe that the new space will offer greening opportunities, alternative transportation options, and social benefits to meet changing needs in urban environments. It is expected that the radical infrastructure conversion will attract thousands from around the world in its opening season. It is not a significant change. All sorts of phenomena has proved again the great of architecture, which can using space planning and design to change. In a place that had no “there” until they touched it with their minds, hearts and hands. That’s a community brought together, and a life in architecture well begun.

Gallery of The High Line, NYC :