With the construction of their High Line-adjacent residential building 520 West 28th Street, Zaha Hadid Architects have constructed a temporary construction shelter to protect pedestrians in the event of any falling construction materials. However, as is often the case with Zaha Hadid designs, this is a construction shelter unlike any other, serving as a protective shelter but also as an artistic installation.
Named Allongé, the installation is "is inspired by the connectivity and dynamism of movement along the High Line," allowing visitors to the High Line to move through 34 meters (112 feet) of sweeping metallic fabric supported by a curvilinear steel frame, offering a spatial experience that foreshadows the presence of Hadid's building at the site.
As a construction shelter, the structure forms a vital role in protecting the public. But as an installation, Allongé aims to preserve people's experience of the High Line in spite of the adjacent construction. The design "acts as an extrusion of the spatial ideas inherent in Hadid’s architecture, where form follows not only function but is also drawn along by the narrative of movement through space," explains the press release.
"I’ve always been fascinated by the High Line and its possibilities for the city. Decades ago, I used to visit the galleries in the area and consider how to build along the route. It's very exciting to be building there now," said Zaha Hadid.
"Our collaboration with Ms. Hadid has been exceptional and we are thrilled to unveil this new installation, designed to beautify the necessary overhead protection system," said Greg Gushee, Executive Vice President of 520 West 28th Street's developer Related Companies. "This beautiful installation serves as a civic gesture to the neighborhood, embracing the innovative and artistic spirit of West Chelsea."
