Remembrance of things past
The planners have been incredibly successful in incorporating the historical origins of the High Line into the new park, as the former tracks can be seen in a number of places. In addition, Field Operations have developed the so-called “planking” system, a walkway made of pre-cast concrete planks, tapered on one side and reminiscent of tracks amid overgrown vegetation.
Hundreds of different plant types were used, including many bushes and trees that are thriving today in a substrate depth of approx. 45 cm on average. A drip-line irrigation system was installed for plants with greater water requirements. There is a wide variety here, ranging from very damp, moor-type areas to dry Steppe grasses. The aim here is not “decorative” growth but to reproduce the original character of the natural flora and wilderness that had sprung up over the years. You can experience the history of the freight train even more intensely in the recently-opened section, particularly the Rail Yards, named after the large railway yard that still dominates the area. The surface is reminiscent of railroad ballast and in a number of places the tracks from the former rail yard have been incorporated into the simple walkway asphalt.
Connecting city, nature and culture
In the midst of a sea of buildings, and not at all separated from them, the High Line is dynamic and vibrant. However, people do need a break here and there. Park benches, lounge areas and seats and loungers are provided for this purpose. Here we have a sundeck with water features, over there rolling wooden loungers and a multi-layered seated area. From the “Viewing Box”, an area resembling a theatre, you can traffic watch through large glazed panels. Various viewing points provide a view of the Hudson River, the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty. Temporary exhibitions are often held on the High Line, and musicians and other artists perform there too. A convincing amalgamation of city, nature and culture.

Multiple value-added
The High Line attracts not only nature lovers, photographers, performance artists and music groups to south-west Manhattan but also any number of investors. The former industrial wasteland of the Meat Packing District, Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen has been transformed into expensive trendy neighbourhoods to which celebrities and high-earners are flocking. Haute-couture salons, galleries, cafés and up-market restaurants are shaping the carefully-reclaimed streetscapes. The current most popular hotel in the metropolis of New York, “The Standard”, straddles the High Line, offering spectacular views of the park on stilts. At the southern end of the park, a new home for the Whitney Museum of American Art has been developed by star architect Renzo Piano. Numerous building sites are indicators of new skyscrapers and luxury apartment blocks to come.
A green park has therefore become the economic engine of an entire district, something that has never existed before. This development is, however, a double-sided sword for many of the long-established residents in the area as many of them can no longer afford the rents here.

A paradigm worldwide
Prior to the conversion of the High Line, there were a few examples of how former train tracks can be converted to green areas but nothing as spectacular as the High Line nor with such compelling effect nor in receipt of as many awards. Robert Hammond and Joshua David, founders of “Friends of the High Line“, were awarded the “Jane Jacobs Medal” by the Rockefeller Foundation and the organisation itself was awarded the “Doris C. Freedman Award”. Other awards on the long list include the “International EGHN Award” of the European Garden Heritage Network and the “Green Roof Leadership Award” of the IGRA International Green Roof Association.
Never before has a project been emulated so often: In Chicago, a disused railway track is to be converted into a green area; in Philadelphia an 18 m high viaduct and in Toronto the Gardiner Express Way; in Atlanta a 35 km green belt (Beltline project) is to be created on a railway ring around the inner city. There are also comparable projects in Paris (Petite Ceinture), Vienna (High Line Park Vienna) and London (Garden Bridge over the Thames). It is not only big cities that have big ideas: Krefeld in Germany is planning a hundred-year project with a 14.5 km long promenade.
The level of acceptance and the wave of emulation are a clear indication that the inhabitants of large cities want nature at their doorstep too. This is reason enough to seek out further suitable areas for publicly accessible roof gardens. With well-engineered green roof technology virtually anything is possible.
Author: Roland Appl, Technical Director ZinCo GmbH