As a redefinition of a public space, the High Line is a successful project for urban revitalization through design and community engagement, with definitive means for sustainability. It demonstrates how abandoned infrastructures can be reused and regenerated in ways beneficial to the economy and environment, and even more importantly, the community.
Significant features of the High Line include its transformation as a derelict, post-industrial infrastructure to a public green space, its uniqueness as an elevated park, and the economic growth it has brought to the neighborhood. However, although these aspects may be desirable and inspirational for related cases, the success of the High Line is distinct on its own and should not be replicated entirely in similar projects.
The main idea underlying the fact that the High Line is an elevated green space redesigned from an historical urban relic is that meaningful spaces should be redeveloped from existing resources, instead of knocking down and rebuilding. Not to mention, constructing on previously unused spaces that will require bringing in even more resources. It further means that such redevelopment fit with the original context of the area so that it is provided with attainable leverage, answers local needs and builds social capacity within the community. The ultimate purpose for redevelopment is not for promoting economic growth, but an approach towards healthy, educational and cultural sustainability.
Following the completion of the High Line, neighborhood and city development should continue as growth is encouraged between each other. One major improvement needed is the transportation connection between the High Line and the original transit systems. Even though the park serves as an alternate commuting option by walking, it is inconveniently disconnected from existing subway and bus systems. Connecting these transportation routes will encourage better use of both the park and public transit, and will decrease use of motor vehicles. Suggested development include adding a closer subway terminal, increasing bus lines and improving pedestrian-friendly and bike-friendly paths that connects to the High Line.
Additional considerations for recreation along the High Line have raised some controversy especially since biking, pets and active recreational activities are currently not allowed on the park. It might be suggested that redesigning the space at street level beneath the park, with concerns for safety, noise and aesthetics, will attract users that wish to commute by bike or visit for other recreational purposes.
Another concern derived is the separation between the East and West Side Yards. An ideal plan would be for the more urban infrastructures on the west to merge with the more natural environment of the Hudson River area in the east, not disrupted by barriers of any sort. Instead of becoming isolated anomalies of each other, the development of both sides should be an extension of each other, joint by the High Line and integrated through neighborhood planning and community identity.
With the economic growth brought to the area by the High Line, actions should be taken to prevent gentrification and socio-cultural displacement. The neighborhood was originally meant to encompass a diverse community, and it should continue to do so even with the different incoming residential and commercial development. As wealthier businesses and residential development move in, it is gradually transforming the formerly lower-class, artsy West Chelsea to a neighborhood of luxury hotels, condos and high-class restaurants. Although reorienting the identity of the neighborhood is inevitable, the original qualities of the neighborhood should be preserved and promoted, such as its authenticity, creativity and diversity. Affordable housing should be available as well as maximizing employment opportunities for lower income residents who should be able to prosper and grow with the development of their neighborhood just as equally.
The High Line has displayed critical skills, attitudes and values for a project that requires interdisciplinary involvement, which is the inevitable aspect for any project that strives for achieving and advocating sustainability. Through collaborative partnerships between organizations, institutions and the community, it encompasses needs of people from all realms that are concerned with the project’s implementation, construction and final use. As a result of having built on its own resources and strengths and having a clear vision for sustainability, the High Line is a case worth learning from when creating sustainable futures.
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