A 1ha urban park and venue located on stilts above New York’s Hudson River, has opened. Â
Little Island has been in the works for eight years, thanks to false starts and delays.
The venue, which was designed by UK architect Heatherwick Studio and New York landscaper MNLA, is formed of 132 unique concrete "tulips" that rise from the river to support a 687-seat amphitheater, as well as 66,000 shrubs and plants and 114 trees, some of which will grow to 60ft tall.
Thomas Heatherwick, Heatherwick Studio’s founder, said:Â "The project began when we were asked to conceive of a sculptural structure to go on a design for a newly enlarged piece of the Hudson River Park promenade.
"As well as making multiple spaces for different activities and performances, this new public space could also take advantage of the water to create a more meaningful threshold that allows visitors to feel they’re having a break from the hecticness of the city."
Images courtesy of Heatherwick Studio
