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A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 – Seat Furnishings

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A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 - Seat Furnishings

A Comparison of the Three Phases of the High Line, New York City: A Landscape Architect and Photographer’s Perspective

“A Comparison of the Three Phases of the High Line, New York City: A Landscape Architect and Photographer’s Perspective” compares Phase One with Phase Two, and describes what is proposed for Phase Three. Design features to be reviewed include the walk system, seat furnishings, plantings, signage and graphics, water feature and drinking fountains, public art, lighting, maintenance and irrigation, and Phase 3. The author also offers suggestions on economic impacts, restrictions and user activities, sustainability, and studies/research.

Originally, due to the length and photo essay nature of the contribution, the series was presented approximately every few weeks in 14 parts between 2013 and 2015; to ensure background information, the Series Introduction is repeated on all.

Part 2 – Seat Furnishings

By Steven L. Cantor, Landscape Architect – Originally Posted January 2, 2014

All Photos © Steven L. Cantor

Series Introduction

A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 - Seat Furnishings

Phase One High Line on July 15, 2009.

Designed by landscape architect James Corner of Field Operations, architect Ricardo Scofidio of Diller Scofidio + Renfro with planting design by Piet Oudolf, the High Line, the remarkable linear park built on an abandoned railroad viaduct in New York City, has been enormously popular.

The design team anticipated how well green roof technology would function and adapt to the viaduct since it could handle at once the huge weight of several fully-loaded trains carrying heavy tonnage.  As an intensive green roof, it has very few structural load limits which would curtail use.  At peak use times there can be lines of pedestrians waiting to enter with as many as 20,000 visitors per day on weekends.[1]

The High Line has won numerous awards, and in particular several as a green roof, for example, in 2013 and 2010 from the American Society of Landscape Architects, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities in 2011, and in 2010 from the International Green Roof Association.  This is a rare public project in which the success of the initial phase contributed to a high level of funding for subsequent phases.

A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 - Seat Furnishings

7.16.11.

The High Line has benefited from intense scrutiny as a result of lectures in which the designers were questioned; public hearings, media critiques in newspapers, journals, and blogs; lobbying from specific organizations, such as the Rainforest Coalition; and comments from city government and other public officials.

Improvements or adjustments were implemented to some design elements of the first phase, and significant modifications were done in the second phase.  Are these changes aesthetic, appropriate and ethical, and are they consistent with the goals of sustainability?  Is the High Line a sustainable design?

Part 2: Seat Furnishings Discussion

A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 - Seat Furnishings

Iconic wood bench in the Wildflower Field; 6.16.11.

Although there was a general appreciation of the graceful and comfortable design of benches, and the prominent 10th Avenue Square wood deck in the first phase of the High Line, there was criticism of the use of ipe for the benches and deck.

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This species of wood as used in the High Line is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as sustainably harvested from a managed forest, with reputed life-spans of up to 100 years, yet short of making a trip to the Amazon or the exact source of the timber, it can be quite difficult to verify sustainable practices overseas.[3]

Alternate materials were recommended to prevent exploitation of limited resources from tropical rain forests.

A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 - Seat Furnishings

The integrated design of a bench with back includes a sweeping concrete form which joins with the system of pavement planks; 6.11.10.

A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 - Seat Furnishings

Phase One benches on 6.12.10. This weathered to a silvery color.

In response, in the second phase the designers used recycled teak, which is painted or stained, both for benches, a large set of bleachers set along the walk system, and other seating areas.

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The unique, integrated design of the benches includes recessed lighting which casts a pool of light on the pavement and a sweeping curve of concrete plank material which directly connects to the rest of the pavement system.

A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 - Seat Furnishings

Phase Two with finish soon after opening; 6.10.11.

A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 - Seat Furnishings

Phase Two iconic benches illuminated at night on 6.10.11.

Backs and arm rails were incorporated on some benches in both phases of work.

A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 - Seat Furnishings

2.18.12.

Finally, portable seating of chairs and tables was introduced as a way of accommodating more and more visitors.

A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 - Seat Furnishings

Portable metal chairs; 9.25.09.

A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 - Seat Furnishings

6.25.10.

It is remarkable to see how varied the locations are where visitors will set a grouping of such furniture.

A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 - Seat Furnishings

7.16.11.

A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 - Seat Furnishings

11.30.13.

There are a number of benches with the paint or stain wearing off, but at least with the teak construction, it naturally weathers to a rich off-white color and looks attractive.

A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 - Seat Furnishings

Phase Two with finishes wearing off; 11.30.13.

A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 - Seat Furnishings

11.30.13.

A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 - Seat Furnishings

11.30.13.

Different maintenance methods may need to be tried on the aging teak installations.

Additional High Line Seat Furnishings Photos

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That’s it for now. I hope that these different sections of text and images of the High Line will generate discussion.

Come back next time for Part 3 of “A Comparison of the Three Phases of the High Line, New York City: A Landscape Architect and Photographer’s Perspective” where I’ll discuss Plantings.

Steven L. Cantor

Photos © Steven L. Cantor are available for individual purchase.

Cumulative 14-part “A Comparison of the Three Phases of the High Line, New York City: A Landscape Architect and Photographer’s Perspective” Series End-notes

1. Ulam, Alex. “Back on Track,” Landscape Architecture Magazine. Volume 99, No. 10, October, 2009, p. 97.

2. http://www.thehighline.org/news/2012/01/24/major-milestone-for-the-high-line-at-the-rail-yards

3. http://www.thehighline.org/sustainability

Publisher’s Note:

See Steven L. Cantor’s ENTIRE 14-part “A Comparison of the Three Phases of the High Line, New York City: A Landscape Architect and Photographer’s Perspective” Series.

Steven L. Cantor, Landscape Architect

A Comparison of the 3 Phases of the High Line Part 2 - Seat Furnishings

Photo by Thomas Riis.

Steven L. Cantor is a registered Landscape Architect in New York and Georgia with a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He first became interested in landscape architecture while earning a BA at Columbia College (NYC) as a music major. He was a professor at the School of Environmental Design, University of Georgia, Athens, teaching a range of courses in design and construction in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. During a period when he earned a Master’s Degree in Piano in accompanying, he was also a visiting professor at the College of Environmental Design at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He has also taught periodically at the New York Botanical Garden (Bronx) and was a visiting professor at Anhalt University, Bernberg, Germany.

He has worked for over three decades in private practice with firms in Atlanta, GA and New York City, NY, on a diverse range of private development and public works projects throughout the eastern United States: parks, streetscapes, historic preservation applications, residential estates, public housing, industrial parks, environmental impact assessment, parkways, cemeteries, roof gardens, institutions, playgrounds, and many others.

Steven has written widely about landscape architecture practice, including two books that survey projects: Innovative Design Solutions in Landscape Architecture and Contemporary Trends in Landscape Architecture (Van Nostrand Reinhold, John Wiley & Sons, 1997). His book Green Roofs in Sustainable Landscape Design (WW Norton, 2008), provides definitions of the types of green roofs and sustainable design, studies European models, and focuses on detailed case studies of diverse green roof projects throughout North America. In 2010 the green roofs book was one of thirty-five nominees for the 11th annual literature award by the international membership of The Council on Botanical & Horticultural Libraries for its “outstanding contribution to the literature of horticulture or botany.”

Steven’s most recent book is Professional and Practical Considerations for Landscape Design (Oxford University Press, 2020) where he explains the field of landscape architecture, outlining with authority how to turn drawings of designs into creative, purposeful, and striking landscapes and landforms in today’s world.

He has been a regular attendee and contributor at various ASLA, green roofs and other conferences in landscape architecture topics.

In recent years Steven has had more time for music activities, as a solo pianist and accompanist. In 2011 he performed a solo piano program at the Winter Rhythms festival at Urban Stages Theater. He’s a regular performer at musicales hosted in Chelsea and other settings in Manhattan. On August 25, 2013, Leonard Bernstein’s birthday, he performed with Stephen Kennedy Murphy a program of excerpts from the composer’s MASS and Anniversaries.

Steven joined the Greenroofs.com editorial team in December, 2013 as the Landscape Editor. In February, 2015 he completed his 14-part series “A Comparison of the Three Phases of the High Line, New York City: A Landscape Architect and Photographer’s Perspective.”

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