In the midst of the Corona epidemic, an island called “Little Island” arose, which is an overwater garden based on 132 reinforced concrete columns on the banks of the Hudson River along Pier 55, and the architecture of this island reminds us of the designs of the sixties similar to the world of science fiction.
In a report published by the French newspaper "Lefigaro", writer Margot Gichetto says that the old railway line "The High Line" has turned into a picnic spot, lined with trees on a path leading to an island planted with plants, and it has become a popular destination for New Yorkers and tourists. Both.
The garden is suspended above the water and rests on 132 reinforced concrete columns on the banks of the Hudson River (Reuters)
7 years working
Commissioned by businessman Barry Diller, husband of designer Diane von Furstenberg, the island was built after 7 years of hard work and an investment of about $260 million.
Add to that an additional $120 million earmarked for maintenance work over the next 10 years, which the entrepreneur has agreed to fund.
As for its design, this task was entrusted to the well-known architect Thomas Heatherwick.
“The idea was to create a vibrant bubble within this urban area, which is why it is located as far from the city as possible,” says Matt Cash, Head of Studio Heatherwick.
In collaboration with landscape firm MNLA, and more specifically urban design architect Sein Nielsen, the architecture group has envisioned a completely immersive and sensory experience.
“I wanted the island to look like a big leaf floating on the water,” adds the expert, and it was a successful bet.
This island was built after 7 years of hard work and an investment of about 260 million dollars (Reuters)
35 kinds of trees
With an uneven topography, created on purpose, the scenery, climate, and vegetation change from point to point on the surface of this diverse island to appear much larger than it is.
"We succeeded in creating microclimates according to the degree of inclination, the sun and the wind, because the weather in New York is very extreme, between very cold winters and very hot summers, so we had to use plants that were more resilient than usual," said Sain Nielsen.
Currently, camas, trumpets, balds, grape lilies and narcissus appear to have adapted perfectly to the soil.
With about 35 types of trees, 65 different shrubs, and 290 types of grass, Little Island gives visitors a special experience.
“Every Wednesday, I walk around there to see how the plants are adapting and changing. For example, because of the wind we decided to choose trees with small leaves to let the air through. It is a constantly evolving project where we are repositioning some types of plants to better understand the place,” Nielsen says.
Billionaire Barry Diller's artificial island planted with plants in New York on the banks of the Hudson River (Reuters)
Climb the hill to have a look at the city
This is the difference between an architect and a landscaper. An architect expects a perfect outcome once the project is built, while a landscaper has the patience to see his or her garden evolve with time and seasons.
“The plants will orient themselves with the wind, and the trees will grow,” Nielsen says. “We have less control than an architect, and we must accept change and above all take it into account.”
There is no pivot and no complete regulation of the terrain.
Nielsen notes that "you find the way under your feet as you walk, and you never know what awaits you at the bend."
You can also go up the hill to take a look at the city and enjoy getting away from it for a moment.
Little Island Park highlights the importance of artistic diversity in public spaces (Reuters)
Warmth of colors and artistic diversity
"We paid special attention to the choice of materials," says Matt Cash. "We wanted it to be strong, flexible and warm."
This warmth is especially evident in the choice of colours.
Nielsen knew how to play with colour. In the northwest of the island, where the sun's rays are strongest, there are reds, oranges, and violets;
in the southwest, where shades of pastel soften the landscape;
In the east, lemon green, yellow and light purple predominate.
But the highlight of the scene is an amphitheater that seats about 687 people, where visitors sit for meditation.
When there are performances, the place takes on a completely different look.
Primarily, the Little Island team seeks to highlight the importance of artistic diversity in public spaces.
“We have a multidisciplinary program that includes dance, theatre, poetry, music, circus and comedy... Our talents are very different from each other. Some have been in this field for years, others are in the beginning of their careers. This island is so special that we want our artists to To interact with the place and to be inspired and saturated with the nature that surrounds them.”