NYC High Line: What is Urban Re-Use?

I spent this past week in the city of unsettling smells and fairly nonexistent nature; New York City.  I went mainly to see if this city could ever be a good fit for me and though this blog focuses on Nebraska, I wanted to write a quick review of something that really excites me for the future of urban development.

It is the introduction of sustainable design to portions of urban cities that have since reached the end of their useful life.  First, let's start in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Remember where the old train station used to be?  In order to pay homage, the train tracks were left at the back and developed into a grassy area, lit with lamps placed under the old platform.  Instead of tearing up the track, city planners decided to invest in aesthetic appeal and add some nature to downtown Lincoln.

So now let's head back to New York City and the High Line in Chelsea.  Here, an abandoned elevated freight train track has been developed into a public park.

The High Line now allows never-before-seen views of New York City, all while being surrounded by elevated grassy patches, trees, and various plants, all drought resistant and native to New York.  It quickly is becoming a desired location for residents of NYC to get away from the noise of the city and experience a sense of calmness.

It also is a "living roof" with a porous  drainage layer, gravel, filter fabric, subsoil, and topsoil.  The High Line recirculates water and all materials chosen to build the High Line were selected based on life-cycle costs.

From my visit there were a couple moments that really stuck out to me.

First, the entire experience was visually romantic and nostalgic for me.  I have always loved trains and the sense of wonder that arises from traveling on them.  I was appreciative how the tracks were mixed in with the greenery and walking path as a nod to the history of the cities old methods of transport.

Second, I loved the hidden gems of the path itself.  Urban art was strategically placed to only be viewed from the High Line.  Different benches and chairs were tucked around corners, along with photo opportunities with framed lights and bridges that oversaw the traffic of the streets below.

And finally, I think the most important thing from walking the High Line was the discovery that humans have the capabilities to create beauty by focusing on sustainable landscapes.

In fact, NYC is currently working to expand the High Line even longer, due to the demand residents have for a space like this and NYC is also asking residents if they have ideas for other places that could be turned into pedestrian walkways.

Will and I walking the High Line