01-15-2026, 03:40 PM
Vessel, Hudson Yards – A New Public Landmark in New York
Location: New York, United States
Architects: Heatherwick Studio
Architect of Record: KPF Associates
Year of Completion: 2019
Built-up Area: 2,210 m²
Project Team & Consultants
Introduction: A Landmark Reimagined
Vessel is not a conventional monument—it is a radically new form of public landmark. Designed by Heatherwick Studio as the centerpiece of the Hudson Yards development, Vessel stands as a 16-storey, climbable structure composed entirely of interconnected staircases. It transforms the idea of a monument from something static to something participatory, encouraging people to move, explore, pause, and interact.
Located in Manhattan’s Hudson Yards—one of the largest real estate developments in American history—Vessel anchors the main public square, rising above a former rail yard now reimagined as a vibrant new neighborhood with over five acres of public open spaces and gardens.
![[Image: 1_Site_Plan_1_2500.jpg?rlkey=u51bqhok1oh...x4mpi&dl=1]](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1pfioyvfqjpbw4z6l9v80/1_Site_Plan_1_2500.jpg?rlkey=u51bqhok1ohxn8wps1mmx4mpi&dl=1)
Concept: Architecture as Social Experience
Heatherwick Studio was tasked with designing a welcoming focal point—something bold and memorable that could stand its ground amid a dense cluster of high-rise towers. Rather than creating a sculpture to be admired from afar, the architects envisioned a structure that could be used.
The idea evolved into a vertical extension of the public plaza itself. Vessel functions as a social condenser: a place to climb, meet, pause, and experience the city from constantly changing viewpoints. With 2,465 steps, 154 interconnecting stair flights, and 80 landings, the structure offers over a mile of walking routes, each producing unique spatial and visual experiences.
![[Image: 2_Ground_Plan_1_500.jpg?rlkey=muslkgz6lh...txkvx&dl=1]](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ls7czgoikf7f2ilnaam99/2_Ground_Plan_1_500.jpg?rlkey=muslkgz6lhqd11ott2iltxkvx&dl=1)
Design & Spatial Experience
The defining feature of Vessel is its three-dimensional lattice of staircases, arranged in a continuous geometric pattern. The voids between stairs allow light and air to pass through, visually connecting people across different levels and enhancing the sense of collective movement.
As visitors climb, they experience shifting perspectives—views of the Hudson River, the Manhattan skyline, and reflections of the public square below. The structure is simultaneously monumental and human-scaled, designed to feel intuitive and inviting rather than overwhelming.
Structure & Engineering Innovation
One of the most remarkable aspects of Vessel is its self-supporting structural system. To maintain clarity of form and avoid visual clutter, no additional columns or beams were introduced.
This was achieved by inserting a steel spine between each pair of staircases, naturally separating upward and downward circulation while also acting as the primary structural support. The raw welded steel is intentionally exposed, expressing honesty and strength, while the undersides of the staircases are clad in deep copper-toned metal, creating warmth and contrast against the surrounding glass towers.
Fabrication & Construction
Every component of Vessel is bespoke—from stair treads to handrails. The structure comprises 75 massive steel elements, fabricated in Venice by specialist contractor Cimolai. These components were transported from Italy to New York in six shipments, barged across the Hudson River, and assembled on site.
Despite its sculptural complexity and scale, the construction process emphasized precision and craftsmanship. From fabrication to final assembly, the project took nearly three years to complete.
A Living Monument
Vessel redefines what a monument can be in the 21st century. It does not commemorate a person or event; instead, it celebrates movement, interaction, and the city itself. Animated by people, light, and reflections, Vessel changes throughout the day—never static, never silent.
By turning circulation into destination and staircases into social space, Heatherwick Studio has created a landmark that is experienced rather than observed—a bold experiment in public architecture that continues to provoke discussion, admiration, and debate.
Location: New York, United States
Architects: Heatherwick Studio
Architect of Record: KPF Associates
Year of Completion: 2019
Built-up Area: 2,210 m²
Project Team & Consultants
- Structural Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
- Design Engineer: AKT II
- Project Management: Tishman
- Crowd Analysis: Arup
- Steel & Lift Contractor: Cimolai
- Lighting Designers: L’Observateur
- Manufacturers: Kuraray, HDI Railings
- Architectural Glazing: SentryGlas® & Trosifol® (Kuraray)
- Bespoke steel structure and copper-toned metal cladding
Introduction: A Landmark Reimagined
Vessel is not a conventional monument—it is a radically new form of public landmark. Designed by Heatherwick Studio as the centerpiece of the Hudson Yards development, Vessel stands as a 16-storey, climbable structure composed entirely of interconnected staircases. It transforms the idea of a monument from something static to something participatory, encouraging people to move, explore, pause, and interact.
Located in Manhattan’s Hudson Yards—one of the largest real estate developments in American history—Vessel anchors the main public square, rising above a former rail yard now reimagined as a vibrant new neighborhood with over five acres of public open spaces and gardens.
Concept: Architecture as Social Experience
Heatherwick Studio was tasked with designing a welcoming focal point—something bold and memorable that could stand its ground amid a dense cluster of high-rise towers. Rather than creating a sculpture to be admired from afar, the architects envisioned a structure that could be used.
The idea evolved into a vertical extension of the public plaza itself. Vessel functions as a social condenser: a place to climb, meet, pause, and experience the city from constantly changing viewpoints. With 2,465 steps, 154 interconnecting stair flights, and 80 landings, the structure offers over a mile of walking routes, each producing unique spatial and visual experiences.
Design & Spatial Experience
The defining feature of Vessel is its three-dimensional lattice of staircases, arranged in a continuous geometric pattern. The voids between stairs allow light and air to pass through, visually connecting people across different levels and enhancing the sense of collective movement.
As visitors climb, they experience shifting perspectives—views of the Hudson River, the Manhattan skyline, and reflections of the public square below. The structure is simultaneously monumental and human-scaled, designed to feel intuitive and inviting rather than overwhelming.
Structure & Engineering Innovation
One of the most remarkable aspects of Vessel is its self-supporting structural system. To maintain clarity of form and avoid visual clutter, no additional columns or beams were introduced.
This was achieved by inserting a steel spine between each pair of staircases, naturally separating upward and downward circulation while also acting as the primary structural support. The raw welded steel is intentionally exposed, expressing honesty and strength, while the undersides of the staircases are clad in deep copper-toned metal, creating warmth and contrast against the surrounding glass towers.
Fabrication & Construction
Every component of Vessel is bespoke—from stair treads to handrails. The structure comprises 75 massive steel elements, fabricated in Venice by specialist contractor Cimolai. These components were transported from Italy to New York in six shipments, barged across the Hudson River, and assembled on site.
Despite its sculptural complexity and scale, the construction process emphasized precision and craftsmanship. From fabrication to final assembly, the project took nearly three years to complete.
A Living Monument
Vessel redefines what a monument can be in the 21st century. It does not commemorate a person or event; instead, it celebrates movement, interaction, and the city itself. Animated by people, light, and reflections, Vessel changes throughout the day—never static, never silent.
By turning circulation into destination and staircases into social space, Heatherwick Studio has created a landmark that is experienced rather than observed—a bold experiment in public architecture that continues to provoke discussion, admiration, and debate.