A giant jungle gym made of staircases. That’s one way to describe the Vessel. Here we stand before this captivating structure. It is located in the heart of Hudson Yards in Manhattan.
The Vessel is more than just a pretty sight. It’s a testament to human creativity and engineering. Designed by British designer Thomas Heatherwick, the Vessel is a honeycomb-like structure. It rises 150 feet into the air. That is 46 meters. It is a main attraction in the Hudson Yards Public Square.
Let’s dive into some numbers. The Vessel has 154 flights of stairs. There are 2500 steps. Also the Vessel has 80 landings. If you were to walk every step, you would cover over a mile. That is 1.6 kilometers.
Originally intended to be a temporary name, “Vessel” stuck. After its opening, the public was invited to give it a formal name. But “Vessel” remains its identity.
Stephen Ross, the CEO of Related Companies, wanted something monumental. He wanted something transformational. Heatherwick’s design won him over in just six weeks. Heatherwick drew inspiration from his childhood. He remembered being fascinated by a discarded flight of wooden stairs.
The Vessel is made of 87 carbon steel pieces. These pieces were crafted in Italy. They were then shipped to the United States. The cost of this ambitious project? An estimated $200 million.
The Vessel’s design integrates with the surrounding Hudson Yards Public Square. This square boasts 28000 plants and 225 trees. It creates a green oasis amidst the urban landscape.
The Vessel faced criticism too. Some found its exterior gaudy. Some felt it lacked real public space. Others compared it unfavorably to Chicago’s Cloud Gate. Also known as the Bean.
Initially, the Vessel had accessibility issues. It primarily consisted of stairs. This led to protests. But efforts were made to improve accessibility. These included adding wheelchair lifts.
The opening of the Vessel was on March 15, 2019. It became an instant landmark. It drew both praise and controversy. Some have called Vessel “Manhattan’s answer to the Eiffel Tower”. Others have jokingly referred to it as the “Giant Shawarma”.
The Vessel temporarily closed in 2021. This was after multiple suicides. Safety nets were installed on each level. It reopened to the public in October 2024 with new safety measures. The top level remains closed.
Whether you see it as a work of art or a stairway to nowhere, the Vessel is unique. It’s an experience. It embodies both the ambition and the challenges of modern urban design. Take a moment to appreciate the Vessel. Appreciate its intricate structure. And its place in the ever-evolving story of New York City.