Unfortunately the tracks and yard remained untouched. But because they were left alone, they slowly transformed themselves into a living environment above the city demonstrating what the space was capable of becoming.
The High Line untouched
Between January to July 2003 The Friends of the High Line hosted an open competition to ‘Re-design’ the High Line with teams of landscape designers and architects, taking notice of its own, non-touched, transformation. More than 720 entries were received. In 2004 the winners were announced, the team of James Corner Field Operations, landscape architect, and Diller Scofidio + Renfro, architect were chosen.
The first two phases are complete with the transformation of the tracks into a living park above the city. The final phase is underway. On Nov. 1, 2011 all the stakeholders publicly announced their commitment to transform the remaining tracks and yard into open public space.
The High Line transforms
CSX will donate the remainder of High Line to the City of New York as it has the other parts. The City of New York with Related Companies will preserve the entire structure. This transformation of the High Line includes parts that are dug out, still above the city, for pools and resting places.
It is not only an introduction to a better, greener, environment but is also bringing new economic life back to the historic downtown, Meat Packing District, that has only recently began to turn around.
A lease agreement between Related Companies and Coach has been established. Related Companies will construct, beginning 2012, a new Coach office building of 600,000 square feet.
The High Line transformed
Architecture’s practice is not only about building the new or preserving the past but finding alternative solutions that bring both moments together in brilliant understanding. The use of a once innovative solution to traffic problems, the High Line, and now its transformation into a public park are just a small step to a grandeur future.
Resources: New York Architecture and The High Line
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About Jennifer Shockley
