How Engineers Can Take Inspiration From The High Line

In the United States, any form of green infrastructure is a standout case. In our society, much of the infrastructure we have constructed was based on 20th century standards, and cannot keep up with the pace of our economy today. And because of this, many parts of our current infrastructure (such as urban centers, transportation systems, and buildings) may be rendered unsustainable. But if we must update these outdated structures, where should we draw inspiration from?

One place where civil engineers can take inspiration is from the High Line in New York City. The initial infrastructure in this area was initially built in 1934. Initially built as a railway, the system lost its purpose when highways were developed and the system was in declining demand.

But in 2006, 150 million dollars were raised to revitalize this area. The first thing this project attempted to accomplish was restoring the material in the original structure. This was done by reimplementing steel beams into the railways, and adding additional structures.

Along with this, greenery, parks, and public spaces were installed into these new structures. In a highly populated city such as New York City, this ability to get above the ground and utilize the aerial space allowed for a sustainable approach without interfering on existing buildings and roadways. Not only did this help environmental measures (by installing hundreds of carbon-reducing plants), it increased a feeling of community in the area. Adding a public space to what was once a brutalistic and industrial feeling area opened up interaction between citizens.

However, this project may be hard to replicate, and approaches awkward legal ground. Being above the ground, this project may come in conflict with the property owners who own the land below. Also, in a crowded area such as New York, such a project may come in conflict with the various property owners in the same vicinity of such a project.

Still, The High Line in New York City provides inspiration for any engineer looking to revitalize a city. This project is highly popular today, and still is a place that unifies many New Yorkers today. In a world where old infrastructure is deteriorating, civil engineers should consider the possibility of turning these areas into public spaces, and consider the benefits these projects may have for the communities in which they are established.