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
| Feb 5, 2014
7 towers that define the 'skinny skyscraper' boom [slideshow]
Recent advancements in structural design, combined with the loosening of density and zoning requirements, has opened the door for the so-called "superslim skyscraper."
| Jan 30, 2014
What to expect in the metal building industry in 2014
Every year brings changes. This one won’t be any different. We’ll see growth in some areas, declines in others. Here’s a little preview of what we’ll be writing about 2014 when 2015 comes rolling in.
| Jan 29, 2014
Richard Meier unveils 'urban courtyard' scheme for Mexico City towers
A grand atrium, reaching some 30 stories, highlights the contemporary, bright-white design scheme unveiled this week by Richard Meier & Partners for a new mixed-use development in Mexico City.
| Jan 28, 2014
2014 predictions for skyscraper construction: More twisting towers, mega-tall projects, and 'superslim' designs
Experts from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat release their 2014 construction forecast for the worldwide high-rise industry.
| Jan 27, 2014
A climber's dream: Rock climbing hall planned near Iran's highest peak
Forget the rock climbing wall. A developer in Iran is building a rock climbing hall. That's right, an entire building dedicated to the sport, with more than 48,000 sf of program space.
| Jan 21, 2014
Comcast to build second Philadelphia skyscraper, with Norman Foster-designed tower [slideshow]
The British architect last week unveiled his scheme for the $1.2 billion, 59-story Comcast Innovation and Technology Center, planned adjacent to the Comcast Center.
| Jan 21, 2014
2013: The year of the super-tall skyscraper
Last year was the second-busiest ever in terms of 200-meter-plus building completions, with 73 towers, according to a report by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
| Dec 31, 2013
BD+C's top 10 stories of 2013
The world's tallest twisting tower and the rise of augmented reality technology in construction were among the 10 most popular articles posted on Building Design+Construction's website, BDCnetwork.com.
| Dec 16, 2013
NASCC: The Steel Conference presents special seismic sessions
Twenty years ago the Northridge Earthquake shook California and the results surprised designers throughout the U.S. AISC and the steel industry is presenting a special series of sessions at the 2014 NASCC: The Steel Conference examining the lessons learned and the state-of-the-art in seismic design.
Sponsored | | Nov 20, 2013
Four faces of curb appeal
The Furniture Row retail center in Charlotte, N.C., incorporates four specialty stores in a distinctive, efficient structure.
