The High Line

The Garden Poet brought my attention to the High Line in New York, following my recent interest in Dutch Heem parks. The High Line is a public park built on an old freight rail line in Manhattan which was founded by the local community in 1999, and although it is owned by the City of New York 90% of its operating funds are currently provided by non-public sources. The line itself dates from the 1930's and was an innovative transport solution aiming to remove dangerous freight trains from the streets. The line closed in 1980 and was destined for demolition (or development depending on your own perspective) when the Friends of the High Line stepped in. The design competition was won by James Corner Field Operations (landscape architects) and Diller Scofidio + Renfro (architects) and the plans were displayed publicly prior to the project starting on site. Most crucially, Piet Oudolf was a consultant on the project.

Piet Oudolf

I find this project very inspiring in terms of the beautiful planting and the great synergy of design and conservation. I'd recommend a visit to their website which is http://www.thehighline.org.