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.
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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.
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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.
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"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