The High Line Architecture

If you've heard of a place called New York City then you've probably heard of its latest and greatest must-see attraction, the High Line. The once-abandoned raised industrial freight line on Manhattan's west side, running top to bottom from Chelsea's Meat-Packing District to the tip of the West Village, garners roughly four million tourists each year, and has become a symbol of New York's progressive spirit and penchant for innovation - though the idea was a byproduct of Paris' Coulée verte René-Dumont, a similar project completed in France in the 1990's. With gardens, murals and creative seating arrangements around every twist of the track, the line itself is as much a spectacle as the bustling streets and riverside homes it overlooks. 

One of the best things about the High Line's elevated vantage point is that it offers a unique perspective of western Manhattan's eclectic mix of architecture. Soaring new construction and modern residential dwellings are juxtaposed by the brick townhouses and concrete structures of the city's early days. The High Line is as much a testament to the future as it is to the past, celebrating the time-tested construction methods of America's industrial era with an eye toward the future - tastefully incorporating the modern marvels of 21st century architecture. 

Words and Photos by The Cuff