Heatherwick studio was invited to design a public centerpiece for Hudson Yards, a new 11-hectare development on Manhattan’s upper west side being constructed above a huge rail yard. To create something memorable, the studio decided to create a structure that visitors could use, touch and relate to. It developed the idea of a new landmark that could be climbed and explored. Drawing inspiration from the ancient step-wells of India, the studio sought to evoke the powerful effect of their repeating steps, flights and landings that reach down to the earth, composed of 154 flights and almost 2500 steps, the effect of climbing up and down vessel’s staircases creates a personal rhythm in each visitor. Rising to 46 meters tall, it lifts them above the square and reveals views across Hudson Yards and Manhattan from 80 platforms arranged around its perimeter. Polished copper-colored undersides contrast with the raw painted steel surfaces of the complex architectural framework, enlivening the structure with reflections of the surrounding city. Forming the heart of this large new district, Vessel represents the intention for Hudson Parks to create a meaningful public legacy for New York. Introductory text via Heatherwick Studio
(Video) Explore Heatherwick Studio’s Vessel in This 360 Video
In the latest video in their Daily 360 series, The New York Times takes us inside Heatherwick Studio’s “Vessel” at Hudson Yards.
Vessel is one of the most complex pieces of steelwork ever made. Today we are 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.
Upper Level View Through the Vessel. Image Courtesy of Forbes Massie-Heatherwick Studio
Vessel, the centerpiece of the Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens, topped out after eight months of construction in December 2017. The last structural piece was installed and Vessel has now reached its full 150 foot height. The new urban landmark designed by Heatherwick Studio is comprised of 154 intricately-interconnecting flights of stairs, 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings. Rising from a base that is 50 feet in diameter, Vessel will offer the public a one-mile vertical climbing experience and some of the most unique views of the West Side when Hudson Yards opens in early 2019.
Great public spaces bring people together and define neighborhoods. The Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens and its centerpiece Vessel, a new kind of vertical public space, will become the new gathering place for Manhattan’s West Side and a destination for New Yorkers and visitors alike. I look forward to early 2019 when we all can enjoy Manhattan’s newest public space and experience, interact with and climb Vessel.
View of the Special Events Plaza. Image Courtesy of VisualHouse-NelsonByrdWoltz
View of the Pavilion Grove. Image Courtesy of VisualHouse-NelsonByrdWoltz
Vessel was fabricated by Cimolai S.p.A. in their Monfalcone, Italy facility and arrived on Manhattan’s West Side in six separate shipments after travelling for 15 days at sea, a brief stay at Port Newark and a 5-hour barge trip across the Hudson River. Vessel is constructed of a structural steel frame covered by a polished copper-colored cladding. Over the next year, mechanical and finishing components will be installed as well as the landscaping elements.
(Video) Introducing The Vessel
Video Courtesy of Hudson Yards
The Public Square and Gardens at Hudson Yards, designed by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects in collaboration with Heatherwick Studio, will feature more than five acres of public plazas, gardens and groves that seamlessly connect to the High Line and the new Hudson Park & Boulevard. When complete, this continuous chain of open spaces on the West Side will run from Gansevoort Street to Times Square, making it the largest network of public spaces developed in Manhattan since Central Park. During the coming months, additional elements of the Public Square and Gardens will also continue to take shape, including the continued planting of the Bosque in the southern section of the public space in the spring. When complete, the Public Square and Gardens at Hudson Yards will eventually house more than 28,000 plants, 200 mature trees, woodland plants and perennial gardens. Vessel and the Public Square and Gardens are expected to open in early 2019.
(Video) Time Lapse of Hudson Yards’ “The Vessel” under construction
Video courtesy of 6sqft
Vessel is a landmark-within-a-landmark. Already the West Side’s most magnificent destination, the topping out of Vessel adds an undeniable exclamation point to Hudson Yards’ success. We’re delighted that people from all over the world will have another great reason to visit Hudson Yards and experience the terrific intersection between design and architecture.
Gallery: Construction
Courtesy of Related-Oxford
Hudson Yards is a new neighborhood on Manhattan’s West Side being developed by Related Companies and Oxford Properties Group. Hudson Yards will be home to more than 100 shops and restaurants – including New York City’s first Neiman Marcus – dozens of the world’s corporate business leaders, state-of-art modern residences, a unique cultural space, 14 acres of public open space, a new 750-seat public school and a 200-room Equinox® hotel – all offering unparalleled amenities for residents, employees and guests.
Article via Hudson Yards New York
(Video) Highlights from the Vessel Unveiling
Video Courtesy of Hudson Yards