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
Market Data | Feb 24, 2021
2021 won’t be a growth year for construction spending, says latest JLL forecast
Predicts second-half improvement toward normalization next year.
Giants 400 | Dec 16, 2020
Download a PDF of all 2020 Giants 400 Rankings
This 70-page PDF features AEC firm rankings across 51 building sectors, disciplines, and specialty services.
Giants 400 | Dec 3, 2020
2020 Cultural Facilities Giants: Top architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the U.S. cultural facilities sector
AECOM, Arup, and Populous head BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest cultural facilities sector architecture, engineering, and construction firms, as reported in the 2020 Giants 400 Report.
Government Buildings | Nov 13, 2020
Tax shortfalls nip government projects in the bud
Federal contracts are proceeding, but states and cities are delaying, deferring, and looking for private investment.
Cultural Facilities | Oct 13, 2020
Thailand’s Elephant Museum reinforces the bond between humans and beasts
The complex, in Surin Province, was built with 480,000 clay bricks.
Libraries | Sep 25, 2020
Major renovation to Providence’s downtown library is completed
The $29 million project adds light and collaborative space to a 67-year-old wing.
Cultural Facilities | Sep 24, 2020
America's 11 most endangered historic places - 2020 list
Annually, this list spotlights important examples of our nation’s architectural and cultural heritage that, without applied action and immediate advocacy, will be destroyed or face irreparable damage.
Giants 400 | Aug 28, 2020
2020 Giants 400 Report: Ranking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms
The 2020 Giants 400 Report features more than 130 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.
Cultural Facilities | Jun 19, 2020
A new ULI report chronicles the depaving of America
Fifteen examples of how parks and green spaces emerged from parking lots, garages, and underpasses.
Libraries | Jan 23, 2020
Information or community center: The next generation of libraries must be both
Are libraries still relevant in a digital world?
