Why We Should Celebrate (Not Hate) New York's Vessel | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The Vessel is a distinctive urban landmark in Hudson Yards, Manhattan, with 154 interconnected flights of stairs, offering panoramic views of the city.

Key Insights

• 🛒 Hudson Yards is the largest private development project in US history, encompassing residential buildings, a shopping mall, and an art center.
• 🎨 The Vessel is a unique and interactive structure designed by Thomas Heatherwick, resembling Indian stepwells.
• 🥳 The construction of the Vessel presented challenges related to vibrations, wind, and transportation of prefabricated parts.
• ⌛ Initial criticism of the Vessel has diminished over time, with more architects and visitors appreciating its design and purpose.
• 😀 Landmark structures like the Eiffel Tower and the Sagrada Familia also faced initial criticism but have become iconic landmarks.

Transcript

set to totally transform the Manhattan skyline when it fully completes in 2020 for Hudson Yards is the largest private development projects in US history constructed over a live railway yard the vast new district encompasses 28 acres of soaring skyscrapers blocks premium high-rise apartments a 2 billion u.s. dollar shopping mall and several new res... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the concept behind the design of the Vessel?

The Vessel's design was inspired by Indian stepwells, with a unique branching structure that allows visitors to climb and explore the interconnected flights of stairs.

Q: How was the Vessel constructed?

The Vessel was built off-site in Italy and shipped to Hudson Yards, where it was assembled piece by piece. The prefabricated parts, called "dog bones," were too large to be transported over land.

Q: What challenges were faced during the design and construction of the Vessel?

The lack of floors and columns in the structure required careful engineering to prevent vibrations and oscillations. The location's susceptibility to strong winds from the Hudson River was also taken into account.

Q: What has been the response to the Vessel?

The Vessel has received mixed reviews, with some critics calling it excessive or questioning its purpose. However, it has also gained recognition and appreciation from architects and visitors, winning awards and generating positive social media posts.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Vessel is part of the Hudson Yards development project, the largest private development project in US history, featuring high-rise buildings, a shopping mall, and an art center.

• Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the Vessel is inspired by Indian stepwells and offers a unique interactive public space that can be climbed and explored.

• The structure presented various construction challenges but has been recognized for its impressive design and engineering.