Even by its own, heightened standards, the Big Apple had a whirlwind of a year. Hudson Yards, the largest private real-estate development in American history, opened to mixed reviews, and who can blame them? Heatherwick Studio’s Vessel, with its seemingly endless stairways, is nonetheless dwarved by luxury residential towers, a mammoth designer shopping mall, complete with chain stores and signature dining experiences, and the first Equinox hotel. The audacious offering could equally be seen as a brazen attempt to tick as many commercial boxes as possible.

Yet, the development’s arrival has also brought with it some much-needed infrastructure. Previously only accessible on foot, or by bus or car, the area is now connected by the newly extended 7 subway line, thus connecting it to other major hubs in the city like Bryant Park, Times Square and Grand Central Station.

Another redeeming point is Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Rockwell Group’s The Shed, a now-iconic building featuring a telescoping outer shell that houses a non-profit contemporary arts centre – the city’s first new institution in decades. Armed with a democratic approach to the arts, aimed at bringing together both high and low, and paired with civic initiatives to make its programme available to New Yorkers of all backgrounds, The Shed’s architecture and aspirations couldn’t be more of the moment.

Read More at: wallpaper.com