Whilst recently in New York not only did I get to see the maturing sections of the High Line’s Phases 1 and 2, I was fortunate enough to be there for the long awaited opening of the new section, Phase 3.
When approaching Phase 3 of the High Line from Phase 2 it appeared to have the same design language of the previous phases, similar paving, similar seating, similar planting. However, as I journeyed along this new section, new elements of design were introduced.
High Line Phase 3 – Paving and Planting
High Line Phase 3 – Benches
High Line Phase 3 – Bench Detail
First there was sections where the standard paving slab detail gave way to resin bound gravel. This expose the full height of the railway tracks and the tops of the timber sleepers beneath.
High Line Phase 3 – Exposing the Rail Tracks
High Line Phase 3 – Exposed Rail Tracks and Planting
Then there was the children play ground. This was at a lower level than the rest of the High Line and exposed the structural elements that supports this viaduct.
High Line Phase 3 – Children’s Play Ground
High Line Phase 3 – Children’s Pop Up Play
There was and elevated section of walkway which provided good views of the Hudson River. This also gave a catwalk like opportunity to parade past the seated guests at a lower level.
High Line Phase 3 – Elevated Section of Paving
High Line Phase 3 – Elevated Section of Paving with Planting
Finally the design language changed completely as I approached the section of the High Line which ran parallel to the Hudson river. This section used a paved surface of resin bound gravel (with an aggregate similar to that used to bed railway sleepers on), with railway track embedded into it.
High Line Phase 3 – Resin Bound Paving Surface with Rail Tracks
High Line Phase 3 – Resin Bound Paving Surface
High Line Phase 3 – Viewing Point to Hudson River
For the majority of this section of the High Line half the width of the park was not accessible to the public as it had been set aside for wild life habitat. I believe this to be a remnant of that which was there prior to the park’s implementation.
High Line Phase 3 – Existing Ecology Retained
High Line Phase 3 – Existing Ecology Retained with Art Installation
Along this section of the High Line there were various seating points based on oversize timber sleepers. These provided welcome opportunities to pause and admire the great view across the Hudson River.
High Line Phase 3 – Monster Bench
High Line Phase 3 – Sleeper Bench
The High Line is a magnificent park, providing an entirely pedestrian and human experience. What also struck me is how the High Line is now part of the infrastructure of New York. It provides a direct pedestrian route along a significant portion of Manhattan’s West Side.
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