Last weekend Danah and I were in New York (attending a performance of Two Gentlemen of Lebowski, but that’s a story for another time) and, since the project combines two things that interest me (transportation history and urban design), we took the opportunity to spend some time on the High Line park. #
It’s really hard to overstate just what a home run this project is. The design incorporates several nods to the viaduct’s history – some rails were reinstalled in their original locations during construction, and the plant choices include some of the species that grew up after rail service ceased in 1980. #
Even the casual observer will come away with a real appreciation for how the viaduct was used, hauling freight to and from the meat-packing district. #
One thing that struck us is just how quiet the city is just a few feet above street level. Traffic noise fades into the background, replaced by the polyglot of tourists mixing with local families enjoying a walk. (Even the Manhattanites we saw were slack-jawed tourists as they took in the views.) #
Construction continues, and we’ll definitely return for the blooms and the sunsets. #
More photos at the Friends of the High Line‘s Flickr account. #
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