Heatherwick Studio's intricate 'vertical public space' reaches full height in New York
by Kim Megson | 07 Dec 2017
The honeycomb-like structure, described by its creators as "one of the most complex pieces of steelwork ever made" has reached its full height of 150ft (46m) / Oxford-Relate
Over the next few months we'll focus on installing the final details of the structure, as its paving, balustrades, lighting and cladding come together to complete this different kind of public space
– Thomas Heatherwick, founder, Heatherwick Studio
Vessel – the sculptural urban landmark Heatherwick Studio have designed as the centrepiece for New York's Hudson Yards development – topped out yesterday (6 December) after eight months of construction.
The honeycomb-like structure, described by its creators as "one of the most complex pieces of steelwork ever made" has reached its full 150ft (46m) height, revealing how it will ultimately provide a one-mile vertical climbing experience.
New construction images reveal Vessel's copper-clad steel frame rising and expanding from a base that is 50ft (15m) in diameter. When complete, it will be comprised of 154 intricately-interconnecting flights of stairs, 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings.
Heatherwick Studio founder Thomas Heatherwick said: "We're marking the exciting moment when the last of the enormous 75 pre-fabricated pieces which travelled all the way from Italy to Manhattan, has been assembled ahead of schedule and with astonishing geometric accuracy.
"Over the next few months, we'll focus on installing the final details of the structure, as its paving, balustrades, lighting and cladding come together to complete this different kind of public space."
Real estate firm Related Companies is a developer of Hudson Yards, and its chair, Stephen M Ross, described Vessel as "a new kind of vertical public space, a gathering place for Manhattan's West Side and a destination for New Yorkers and visitors alike".
"Great public spaces bring people together and define neighbourhoods," he added.
Vessel has been envisioned a "landmark-within-a-landmark" for the Public Square and Gardens at Hudson Yards, which are being designed by Heatherwick Studio and Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects.
Due to open in early 2019, the area will feature more than five acres of plazas, gardens and groves – including 28,000 plants and 200 mature trees – connecting to the High Line and the new Hudson Park & Boulevard.
When complete, the chain will run from Gansevoort Street to Times Square, making it the largest network of public spaces developed in Manhattan since Central Park.
The wider Hudson Yards development is New York's largest since the Rockefeller Center. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the mixed-use real estate development will consist of 16 skyscrapers and a 750,000 sq ft (70,000sq m) retail centre with more than 100 restaurants, cafes, markets, a cinema and bars.
There will also be new houses, schools, a 200-room Equinox luxury hotel, 14 acres of public space and a hugely flexible retractable cultural building called The Shed.
Vessel New York Hudson Yards Heatherwick Studio Thomas Heatherwick Related Companies
Michael Bloomberg donates US$75m to under development Shed arts venue
Philanthropist and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg has donated US$75m (€66.8m, £58.3m) to The Shed – an under construction cultural institution in New York's burgeoning Hudson Yards district. Bloomberg made an initial donation of US$15m (€13.3m, £11.7m) in
Heatherwick's 'incredible jigsaw puzzle' landmark rises at Hudson Yards
Vessel, Thomas Heatherwick's centerpiece for the public square and gardens at the Hudson Yards development in New York, is rising from the ground. The first pieces of the sculptural urban landmark were placed together earlier this week on Manhattan's West
Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Rockwell Group reveal The Shed – a vast New York arts venue on wheels
Architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro and design studio Rockwell Group have unveiled their plans for an expandable cultural venue in New York's burgeoning Hudson Yards district. The duo, who are both based in the city, have designed The Shed; a
'New York's Eiffel Tower': Heatherwick unveils landmark sculpture for Hudson Yards
British designer Thomas Heatherwick has unveiled a climbable public landmark that will be the towering centrepiece of New York City's Hudson Yards development. Vessel is a honeycomb-like structure of 154 interconnecting flights of stairs, 2,400 steps and 80 landings. A
FEATURE: Interview – Aaron Richter
As luxury fitness chain Equinox prepares to enter the hotel market, Equinox's vice president of design, Aaron Richter, tells Magali Robathan what will set the hotels apart
Vessel – the sculptural urban landmark Heatherwick Studio have designed as the centrepiece for New York's Hudson Yards development – topped out yesterday (6 December) after eight months of construction. The honeycomb-like structure, described by its creators as "one of the most complex pieces of steelwork ever made" has reached its full 150ft (46m) height, revealing how it will ultimately provide a one-mile vertical climbing experience. New construction images reveal
CLD,VAT,AAC,ARC,DES
TVS Group
TVS Group includes TVS Sports Surfaces, TVS Gym Flooring, TVS Play Surfaces and TVS Acoustics. Our business is balanced through a broad portfolio of solutions and a presence across multiple industries.