The Vessel, located on West St, Manhattan, New York, United States, is an extraordinary structure designed by British designer Thomas Heatherwick. The structure, which opened to the public in March 2019, is part of the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project, one of the largest private real estate developments in the history of the United States.
The Vessel's design is inspired by ancient stepwells in India, particularly the Chand Baori stepwell in Rajasthan. The structure stands 150 feet tall and consists of 154 interconnected flights of stairs, 2,500 steps, and 80 landings. The copper-clad structure offers various perspectives of the Hudson River and the surrounding cityscape, making it a focal point for tourists and locals alike.
One little-known fact about the Vessel is that its original name was "The Staircase," but it was later renamed to reflect its unique, vessel-like appearance. Despite its popularity, the Vessel has also been the subject of controversy. Its design has been critiqued for being more of an aesthetic object rather than a functional piece of architecture. Additionally, there were concerns about accessibility for people with disabilities, leading to the installation of an elevator to accommodate visitors who cannot use the stairs.
The structure is made from approximately 75 prefabricated pieces, manufactured in Italy by Cimolai and assembled on site. Each piece had to be carefully transported across the Atlantic Ocean, a logistical feat in itself. The entire project is estimated to have cost around $200 million.
Another trivia point is that the Vessel is located in the Public Square and Gardens area of Hudson Yards, which spans over five acres. The surrounding area includes a mix of retail spaces, residential buildings, and office spaces, contributing to the area's vibrant atmosphere.
The Vessel's interactive nature encourages visitors to engage with the structure physically. Its design allows for multiple routes to the top, providing a unique experience each time it is visited. This aspect of variability and engagement is a nod to Heatherwick's philosophy of creating spaces that invite human interaction.
The Vessel has also been featured in various media and has become a popular spot for photography, especially on social media platforms like Instagram. Despite its recent opening, the Vessel has quickly become an iconic part of New York City's architectural landscape.
In summary, the Vessel is a modern architectural marvel that combines aesthetic appeal with interactive design. Its inspiration from ancient stepwells, logistical complexity, and the controversies it has sparked, all contribute to its unique place in the urban fabric of Manhattan.