Monthly Archives: September 2010

The building industry has come a long way in recent years when it comes to addressing energy efficiency and new construction technologies. Considering buildings consume approximately 40% of our energy, it’s definitely an appropriate place to start! Significant progress has been made in terms of making construction and architectural design strategies more effective, less wasteful, and more site-responsive.

However, buildings as individual entities require a broader perspective in terms of how they relate to critical social, cultural, and economic issues in order to enable lasting change.  Buildings are an integral part of the urban fabric, and they have the capacity to contribute to socially just, egalitarian and prosperous neighborhoods and cities.  Accessible and well-designed public spaces are critical in this effort, and I’d like to focus on a recent development that’s received significant attention lately- High Line in New York, by Diller Scofidio + Renfro.

© Iwan Baan

The restoration of the 1.5 mile stretch of abandoned elevated rail, 30 feet above New York’s meatpacking district, was allocated government funding in 2004, in spite of prior opposition advocating the demolition of the dilapidated public space, due to the increase of crime and other unsavory activities over the years.

The reconstruction incorporates elements of the site’s history and existing elements, such as the rail tracks and ties, visible in the image below, while utilizing new, sustainable materials to create gathering spaces, seating, and walkways.

The result is a vibrant urban park above New York, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, that has spurred further development in the area due to its success. The project serves as a model for urban redevelopment for a sustainable future on a city-wide scale.

© Iwan Baan

The High Line Park is an inspired example of how thoughtful and well-planned urban renewal can employ adaptive reuse to preserve existing structures, increase property values, enable pedestrian access, and introduce nature in a dense, urban context. The new iteration is a celebrated public space with a new identity and function, that still maintains its historical relevance. What was once a symbol of innovation at its inception, has recaptured that identity once again, thanks to well-planned, sustainable design.

The High Line exemplifies a design solution that is responsive to the dynamic and changing nature of our society’s needs;  it embodies the holistic and integrated future of our rebuilt (and reimagined) environment.

Can’t wait to visit!

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