The Vessel and The Edge, Hudson Yards
ICON #17
Hudson Yards
A Tale of Two Heights: Hudson Yards' Vertical Playground
ICON #17
In Manhattan's west side, where innovation meets ambition, Hudson Yards presents two distinct interpretations of vertical exploration: The Vessel and The Edge. These architectural marvels, supported by Outokumpu's sustainable stainless steel, offer unique perspectives on how we experience height—one through intimate spiral ascension and the other through gravity-defying observation.
The Vessel, rising like a honeycomb of interconnected staircases, represents a new public sculpture. Its bronzed steel and stainless steel framework supports 154 intricately interlinked flights of stairs, creating an interactive artwork that invites visitors to climb 150 feet (46 meters) through its geometric matrix.
This massive structure, utilizing over 2,500 tons of sustainable steel, creates a complex network that appears both ancient and futuristic—a modern interpretation of M.C. Escher's impossible staircases made real through advanced materials and engineering.
The Edge, jutting out 1,131 feet above the city, pushes the boundaries of architectural daring. As the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, its crystal-clear glass floor and angled glass walls are anchored by a sophisticated system of sustainable stainless steel supports. The observation deck's triangular form extends 80 feet from the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards, creating a heart-stopping sensation of floating above Manhattan's grid.
The Vessel, rising like a honeycomb of interconnected staircases, represents a new public sculpture. Its bronzed steel and stainless steel framework supports 154 intricately interlinked flights of stairs, creating an interactive artwork that invites visitors to climb 150 feet (46 meters) through its geometric matrix.
This massive structure, utilizing over 2,500 tons of sustainable steel, creates a complex network that appears both ancient and futuristic—a modern interpretation of M.C. Escher's impossible staircases made real through advanced materials and engineering.
The Edge, jutting out 1,131 feet above the city, pushes the boundaries of architectural daring. As the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, its crystal-clear glass floor and angled glass walls are anchored by a sophisticated system of sustainable stainless steel supports. The observation deck's triangular form extends 80 feet from the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards, creating a heart-stopping sensation of floating above Manhattan's grid.
These twin icons showcase how sustainable materials enable revolutionary design. The Vessel's intricate geometry demands steel that withstands constant foot traffic while maintaining its beauty, while The Edge's engineering feat—suspending visitors at dizzying heights—relies on high-performance sustainable steel for both strength and flexibility.
Their environmental consciousness extends beyond materials: The Vessel's open-air design eliminates the need for climate control, while The Edge's treated glass panels optimize thermal performance.
Together, they represent Hudson Yards' vertical ambition and commitment to circular economy principles, offering complementary ways to experience height and perspective—all supported by the enduring strength of sustainable steel that's fully recyclable at end of life.
The Oculus's sustainable steel framework does double duty, supporting both its memorial function and its environmental performance. The steel's strength allows for a design that maximizes natural light and ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial systems. An adjustable skylight, made possible by the steel structure, further enhances energy efficiency.
As climate change concerns mount, the Oculus exemplifies how sustainable materials can create buildings that are both iconic and environmentally conscious. It's a dynamic space that responds to its environment, minimizing its ecological footprint while serving as a functional transit hub and shopping center.
Together, they represent Hudson Yards' vertical ambition and commitment to circular economy principles, offering complementary ways to experience height and perspective—all supported by the enduring strength of sustainable steel that's fully recyclable at end of life.
Icons
The Vessel and The Edge, Hudson Yards
Location
NEW YORK, USA
Opened
2019 & 2020
Architects
The Vessel: Thomas Heatherwick and Heatherwick Studio & The Edge: KPF (Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates)
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