The Hudson River Park provides a lush, tranquil escape from the surrounding cityscape.
PROJECT
Gansevoort Peninsula
New York, NY
In early 2019, it was announced that the Gansevoort Peninsula on the Hudson River would become home to Manhattan’s first public beach by 2022. In January 2019, the Hudson River Park Trust enlisted a design team led by James Corner Field Operations to develop this new park space. A vital aspect of the design involved gathering public input on desired uses for the expansive space. This initiative began in March 2019, during a meeting of Community Board 2’s Parks and Waterfront Committee, where the design team and Trust shared initial information and collected community feedback.
A few weeks later, the Trust organized a follow-up charrette, involving community members in discussions about the future uses of Gansevoort Peninsula. In July 2019, they hosted a joint meeting to present the Concept Design. Subsequent meetings with revised designs led to the approval of the plan on January 8, 2020, allowing the project to move forward and be completed in 2023.
client Hudson River Park Trust
architect nArchitects
landscape design James Corner Field Operations
lighting consultant HLB
photographer Hyexposure Photography
product Olivio Sistema 2, Lanova Catenary, and Corral® Column
Planning
ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES
This 5.5-acre area, part of Hudson River Park, offers unparalleled access for kayakers and non-motorized boats. With 1,200 tons of sand, umbrellas, and chairs, the beach is just the beginning of what it offers. It also includes a sports field, sunbathing lawn, dog runs, picnic areas, and fitness equipment. Located in the vibrant Meatpacking District near the Whitney Museum, the peninsula provides stunning views of Lower Manhattan.
Gansevoort Peninsula also features an ecological salt marsh, providing educational opportunities about local ecosystems. A significant environmental initiative includes introducing 20 million juvenile oysters into the waters to improve water quality and foster a more resilient ecosystem. This project exemplifies how public spaces can enhance a community's quality of life, making it an inviting destination for both locals and tourists.
The newly developed waterfront area at Gansevoort Peninsula offers a variety of activities for visitors. The park features Selux Lanova Catenary, Olivio Sistema 2 and Corral® Column luminaires. The Lanova Catenary, suspended from cables and connected to supportive poles over the picnic area, creates a welcoming dining atmosphere. Lanova Catenary is positions exactly where it is required allowing for a luminous focal point or a dramatic shadow. The Olivio Sistema 2 aligns the boardwalk beautifully, making evening strolls safer and more enjoyable. The modest design of the Olivio integrates harmoniously into the new green oasis among the urban living space that surrounds it. The Corral® Column's tapered pole provides both a decorative element and enhanced security and safety for pedestrians in the area.
A peaceful public space, an oasis amidst the bustling city
Public Oasis
In addition to recreational areas, the southern edge of the peninsula showcases the public art installation "Day’s End" by David Hammons, enhancing a picnic area with tables by the river. A boardwalk connects visitors to the western esplanade, highlighting the historic location of Manhattan's Thirteenth Avenue. The dog park features separate zones for large and small dogs, along with training areas. The site also includes an amenities pavilion designed by nArchitects, clad in perforated corrugated cast-concrete panels that create dynamic lighting effects.
The collaboration between New York City and the state has significantly enhanced the Hudson Shore experience, making Gansevoort Peninsula a prime spot for families and friends to gather and enjoy Manhattan's first-ever public beachfront.
Olivio's lighting is discreet, illuminating only where necessary while preserving the beauty of the night sky.
