Sculptural levitation and whimsy: Little Island, New York
We are back in New York – just a short hop away from the High Line, at Little Island on the Hudson River.
At first glance it looks like is levitating. Little Island is a small park perched on giant tulip-shaped columns, that rise from the Hudson River on Manhattan’s West Side. It’s whimsical, incredibly bold, and a little bit surreal.
I stumbled across it completely by accident a few years ago on a cold winter day, and catching a glimpse of it from the High Line, I had to go and explore…
A bit of background
The park was built near the remnants of Pier 54 – a historic dock on the Hudson River, which in the early 20th century, served as the departure and arrival point for the British Cunard-White Star Line, and was notably where the Titanic survivors disembarked.
In the 2010s it was reimagined as a new type of public space for immersion in nature and art. The park opened in 2021, situated between the original Piers 54 and 56, and can also be known as Pier 55.
Design and feel
From a distance, it looks like it is suspended in mid air.
It’s sculptural base looks amazing. There are over 100 concrete tulip shaped columns holding up an undulating organic mound of greens and a rainbow of colours.
It is tiny, but there is so much crammed into its just over 2-and-a-bit acre footprint. There are views in every direction, with curved walkways that rise to different viewpoints and lookouts, spaces for performance and culture, tactile installations, and plenty of spots for people to gather and enjoy the park together.
You’re still in Manhattan, but it feels miles away.
You feel culture, performance and connection at the heart of this unique space. There's a stunning 650+seat amphitheatre that hosts a programme of free events throughout the year.
When I visited last October, there were families everywhere. Kids playing, people sat with coffees, and generations exploring the park together.
Things that stand out:
It never feels boring. Despite being small, the network on interconnected undulating paths means seemingly endless routes, views and perspectives
No bikes, scooters or skateboard allowed. Making exploring feel safer for all.
The design. Bold, a bit showy, but looks like it is meant to be there - the best type of architecture
The contrast. One minute, you're in the concrete grid of Chelsea. The next, you’re surrounded by flowers, floating above the river.
Incorporating art. You can tell that performance, public art and culture were at the heart of the park’s design. Performance is part of the placemaking here.
How different it feels to the High Line. Whilst the High Line feels gritty and urban, Little Island feels the complete opposite. It also complements, and sits in contrast to, the other parks and green spaces developed across repurposed piers all along the Hudson.
November 2022 (ignore the light flare)
October 2024
Little Island isn’t big, but it knows itself.