Highline, Manhattan

I had the chance to visit the Highline Public Garden Project on the lower west side in Manhattan. Unfortunately, after being on the train from New Jersey for 10 minutes, I realized that I had left my battery in its charger at home and would be without my camera for the day. Severe disappointment. But I went with a friend who took pictures for me.

The first section runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 20th Street in Chelsea. It was designed by Diller Scofidio & Renfro and stands thirty feet in the air. Having just opened on June 9, 2009, great masses have already flocked to the attraction, and for good reason. Even though it was crowded, and most of the benches were already occupied, the project offers different angles of the city that cannot be seen from anywhere else. Not only a means of connection from the Meatpacking district to 34th Street, the park offers a variety of different plantings ranging from a moss-land, to tall meadow, to wetland, and heavy woodland. My favorite aspect of the project was the amphitheater overlooking 10th Avenue. There, the elevated garden crosses the street and one can see the taxis passing underneath through a large picture window. It is also handicap accessible with a ramp zig-zagging through the area. Elevators are also located on 10th and West 16th, and 10th and West 14th.

Overall, the garden gives one a sense of "disconnection" from the city, while still being completely connected to the city. The custom paved areas and exposed train tracks pay tribute to the purpose that the structure held previously. Even if the tracks were moved to create the affect, it gives one the sense that this place is just an overgrown railroad. I highly suggest a visit to the Highline.

For more information, checkout
The Highline: http://www.thehighline.org/
Map of the Highline: http://www.thehighline.org/about/maps
Diller Scofidio & Renfro: http://www.dsrny.com/