Hudson Yards, a project focusing on the redevelopment of an industrial area on Manhattan’s West Side, is New York City’s largest development since Rockefeller Center was built in the 1930s. And, as it is such a grand project, Stephen M. Ross, the billionaire founder and Chairman of Related Companies (the project’s developer) decided something just as grand was needed to act as the centerpiece of the development.
Enter “New York’s Eiffel Tower,” or so it has been dubbed by some; a $150 million, 16-story giant staircase that resembles a giant wasp’s nest or the skeletal remains of some monstrous alien creature. Designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick (who designed the Olympic torch for the 2012 games held in London), the installation will be a massive climbing frame weighing 600 tons and comprising 154 individual flights of stairs, 80 landings, and 2,500 steps, The Telegraph reports.
Heatherwick didn’t just want the project to be a piece of eye candy, he wanted to create something that could be touched and used by anyone in the city.
The structure is currently being built in Monfalcone, Italy but the bronzed-steel and concrete pieces will not be constructed on-site until 2017. The five-acre plaza and garden the structure (that Heatherwick himself has dubbed “Vessel”) will reside in will not open until 2018.
The inspiration for Vessel was taken partly from Indian stepwells and partly from the design of a jungle gym, one that can be found on just about any elementary school’s playground in the country.
From inside the structure, one may feel as if they have entered into M.C. Escher’s famous “Relativity” lithograph print, as staircases weave about and intersect as far as the eye can see.
For anyone who wants to enjoy the views at the top of the structure, but is unable to climb the 16-stories, an elevator will be included.
This is not the first staircase to nowhere to be proposed recently, as they seem to be becoming a bit of a trend for public art installations. Dubai recently showed of its own version; a proposed 500-step, 100-meter tall tower.
Rendering courtesy of Forbes Massie/ Heatherwick Studio
Rendering courtesy of Forbes Massie/ Heatherwick Studio
Rendering courtesy of Forbes Massie/ Heatherwick Studio
Related Stories
Cultural Facilities | Aug 28, 2019
Seattle’s newest substation doubles as a civic amenity
The Denny Substation includes 44,000 sf of open space that invites local residents and visitors to frequent the complex.
Cultural Facilities | Aug 23, 2019
Snøhetta to design Shanghai Grand Opera House
The Opera House is part of a new urban master plan for Shanghai.
Cultural Facilities | Aug 19, 2019
Tanglewood in the Berkshires is now a year-round facility
It recently debuted three climate-controlled event spaces and an indoor-outdoor café
Cultural Facilities | Jul 15, 2019
Steven Holl Architects and Architecture Acts to design Ostrava Concert Hall in the Czech Republic
Their winning proposal was supported by six of the seven members of the jury.
Cultural Facilities | Jul 11, 2019
BIG’s MÉCA combines three regional art agencies into one loop
The project gives Bordeaux an art-filled public space from the waterfront to the city’s new urban room.
Cultural Facilities | Jul 1, 2019
MAD Architects' proposal for the Yiwu Grand Theater will be built on the Dongyang River
MAD beat out four other proposals for the opportunity to design the theater.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 27, 2019
David Baker Architects wins 2019 HUD 'best in affordable housing' honor
The firm's Williams Terrace project is the first dedicated housing for Charleston, S.C.’s low-income seniors. It's one of four developments to win 2019 AIA/HUD housing awards.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jun 27, 2019
Foster + Partners unveils design of wooden boathouse for Row New York
The project will sit on the banks of the Harlem River in Sherman Creek Park.
Cultural Facilities | May 17, 2019
Mulva Cultural Center builds upon city's arts legacy
Former ConocoPhillips CEO and wife have donated millions for culture and education.
Cultural Facilities | May 7, 2019
Austin-area Boys & Girls Club opens headquarters with robust local financial support
Facility is expanding its after-school programming.
