No, this isn’t an alien structure that landed in NYC, just “The Vessel,” a public landmark that was built as part of the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project in Manhattan. Featuring a stunning honeycomb-like structure, it rises 16 stories and consists of 154 flights of stairs, 2,500 steps, and 80 landings. It was designed by British designer Thomas Heatherwick, and is the main feature of the 5-acre Hudson Yards Public Square. Read more for a complete walkthrough of the structure, additional pictures and information.
This structure also boasts ramps and elevators to make it easy to visit for those with disabilities. CEO of Hudson Yards’ developer Related Companies said that The Staircase’s unusual shape was created to make the structure stand out like a “12-month Christmas tree.” The copper-clad steps, arranged like a jungle gym, and modeled after Indian step-wells, is capable of holding 1,000 people at one time. At the top, visitors have expansive views of the Hudson River coastline.
The 5-acre public square has 28,000 plants, 225 trees, and is located on the platform upon which Hudson Yards is built. A “‘seasonally expressive’ entry garden” is located near the 34th Street–Hudson Yards station’s subway entrance at 33rd Street, and also designed to connect the High Line promenade.
