Fortune called Vessel "Manhattan's answer to the Eiffel Tower",[1] a sentiment echoed by CNN.[2] Elle Decor compared Vessel to an M. C. Escher drawing.[9] The New York Times stated that the sculpture, while a "stairway to nowhere" in the utilitarian sense, served as an "exclamation point" to the northern terminus of the High Line Park.[4] Gothamist called Vessel "a bold addition to the city's landscape."[29] Speaking about the structure's design process, Heatherwick stated, "We had to think of what could act as the role of a landmarker.