GET TO KNOW WITH THIS RECENTLY OPENED PUBLIC PARK IN NEW YORK CITY DESIGNED BY HEATHERWICK STUDIO, MNLA, AND ARUP
TEXT & PHOTO: METHAWEE ARUNWIJITSAKUN
(For Thai, press here)
Image courtesy of Heatherwick Studio
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New York has become somewhat hard to beat in terms of the city’s attempt to keep the phenomenon of urban public spaces exciting. After the success of High Line in 2009 and The Vessel in 2019, the Big Apple has recently welcomed Little Island to its list of public parks. Just like its name, the space is designed to look and feel like an island that stays afloat the water and on air above the Hudson River. Built on a number of massive concrete columns, the landscape is inspired by the existing column structure of an old pier that peeks above the water. Heatherwick studio is in charge of designing the space with the new given context. The British studio, who are the minds behind The Vessel, worked with New York-based landscape architects, MNLA, and the world’s leading engineering company, Arup, through protests and the back and forth decisions over the discussion about whether the project should be canceled or not. Despite all the obstacles, Little Island has finally opened just in time as the city’s being reopened after the vaccine rollout.
On the rectangular, 2.4-acres land, Little Island is designed to have varying ground levels, creating a program of diverse physical characteristics, atmospheres and activities. To access the park, one must cross the South Bridge, walking underneath the concrete structure built upon the tulip-shaped columns, welcoming visitors with their whimsical introduction. The bridge serves as a link between the city and nature, gradually leading visitors’ perspective into the park. Throughout Little Island’s meandering walkways, one will come across over 350 species of trees and plants, which are in full bloom and colorful glory during the time of my visit, celebrating the arrival of summer. The walkthrough feels like being inside a riverside botanical garden with the breeze constantly flowing through my hair and gently brushing my face. Apart from the plants, found along the way are works of Installation art and equipment by German award-winning playground equipment design company and manufacturer, Richter Spielgeräte, appearing at different spots and corners for one to enjoy a little detour.
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The winding and increasingly inclined walkway leads visitors to the two observation points, the Southwest Overlook and the Northwest Overlook, located at two different sides of the islands. The two spots grant one of the most stunning sunset views of New York that anybody could ask for. Another side of the island faces the Hudson River and the city of New Jersey across the river. Included in the program is the 687-seat amphitheater called The AMPH, which hosts performances by different artists all year round. When not used for a show, the area becomes another observation point for visitors to relish the riverfront view or enjoy a glass of wine.
For those who would get hungry after a stroll along the park, Little Island has The Play Ground, an open plaza space selling food and drinks with seating provided, although the park provides a number of areas where visitors can chill out and have a little picnic with their food and beverage if they wish. This portion of the program is located near the North Bridge exit. Walking until the end of the bridge and looking back, the island built on the beautifully designed and constructed structure is filled with spaces enlivened by activities and way of life of the people of New York.
Another particularly interesting aspect about my visit is with the park’s social distance measure and the city’s successful vaccination efforts, I barely saw anyone with a mask on. New York is coming back to life, fast. Shops and restaurants which had closed down when the pandemic first hit are reopening, and people are resuming life outside their homes. Everyone is ready and all geared up for the Governor’s plan to reopen the city on the coming July 1st. I guess it’s safe to say now, New York is Back!