The High Line in New York is a project that is transforming an old elevated rail structure and making it into a beautiful 2km park. Stage 1 opened in June and I just had the wonderful pleasure to live out a dream and see it in real life. I ran up the Gansevoort St stairs like an excited child, knowing there was going to be a magical treasure up there. When I reached the top, and strolled several blocks of the unique and themes spaces, I found out magic was indeed real.
Beyond the stunning designs by Field Operations and Diller Scofidio + Renfro, I admire it as a story of savvy community action that was simply started by two local residents who decided this was worth fighting for. The opening of this project makes me a believer in the potential greatness and creativity of our cities, communities, decision makers and designers. I actually wrote about this project in my very first Street Editors post and have been following it for years. I think Karrie Jacobs of Metropolis best sums up why I love this project – “I’ve become a fan of the High Line because I think it will be a successful and important public space and, more important, because it allows me to dream. It suggests unlimited opportunities”
