The Vessel

NOVEMBER 3, 2019

The Vessel is the centrepiece of Hudson Yards. The eight storey 46m tall Thomas Heatherwick designed, shiny copper coloured beehive shaped staircase brings tourists. In fact probably about 8 million of them straight off the Highline. The 2,500 interconnected steps test the resolve of the fittest whilst the lift enables the interested non-athletes access to the top. This is Manhattan West side’s latest city in a city. With office towers, vertical retailing and prestige residential apartments fulfilling worker and residents needs and Hudson Yards station satisfying Manhattan commuter travel.

I took several photos showing the setting of the Vessel, a hero shot and the mechanics of the maze of stairs as well as the simplicity and efficiency of the design as a viewing platform. Like all great designs it offers so many options from different angles. Like it (and I did) or not, it serves this development and centres the project allowing for the community to congregate centrally.

It is immediately to the north of the New York’s very popular Highline, a 2.33km elevated linear park and converted railway which is now connected by a small section called the Spur that straddles 10th Avenue and 30th Street. The highline is bookended by the rejuvenated Meat Packing district and now Hudson Yards which can boast the Vessel and other community features like the Shed, an Arts Centre. Like all great developments these monuments are attraction pieces. When you have 63 million visitors a year, you have to create features for residents and those just passing by.