Vessel, Architectural structure in Hudson Yards, Manhattan, United States
The honeycomb-shaped copper structure rises 45.7 meters high and contains 154 interconnected staircases with 2,500 steps and 80 different landing platforms.
British designer Thomas Heatherwick created this structure, which opened on March 15, 2019, as part of the Hudson Yards development project in Manhattan.
The design draws inspiration from Indian stepwells, incorporating vertical circulation patterns that enable visitors to experience multiple perspectives of New York City.
Visitors can access the structure through timed entry tickets, with the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 people simultaneously exploring its various levels.
The structure's framework was manufactured in Italy under strict secrecy, hidden behind a 20-foot fence before being shipped to New York for assembly.
Location: New York City
Inception: 2019
Architects: Thomas Heatherwick
Creator: Thomas Heatherwick
Official opening: March 15, 2019
Height: 45.7 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Made from material: steel
Creator: Thomas Heatherwick
Website: https://hudsonyardsnewyork.com/discover/vessel
GPS coordinates: 40.75381,-74.00217
Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:46
Stairs serve not only to overcome elevation changes but often rank among the notable structures of their cities. The Spanish Steps in Rome with its 135 steps has connected two districts since 1725 and became a meeting point for locals and visitors. In Montmartre, 222 steps lead to the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, while Jacob's Ladder on Saint Helena with 699 steps forms one of the longest straight stairways in the world. The selection includes various construction types: spiral staircases in medieval towers, rock-carved ascents to temples and fortresses, and modern outdoor stairs made of concrete and steel. Some stairs were built for practical reasons like the steps to Table Mountain in Cape Town, others as part of religious sites like the stairs to the Golden Rock in Myanmar. Each staircase tells the story of the engineering skills of its era and the people who use it daily.
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