Heatherwicks One-of-a-Kind Elevator
The Vessel Rises Out of Hudson Yards
Nicknamed “The Vessel,” the dynamic structure that has captured the attention of media, designers, critics, as well as visiting and resident selfie hunters alike rose out of the multi-billion dollar Hudsons Yards development in New York in early 2019. At 150ft (45 metres), stairs climb up in every direction providing the public a one of a kind vertical climb unlike anything constructed before.
The art piece is so massive that it comfortably accommodates 1,000 visitors at a time. The climbable sculpture rises 16-stories—150 feet tall, 50 feet wide at its base and 150 feet wide at the top—and consist of a web of 154 staircases with 2,500 steps, 80 landings and most interestingly, a one of a kind custom elevator designed for mobility impaired visitors and one of the most unusual elevators you’ll ever see.
Located on the southern end, the unique glass elevating system by Heatherwick Studio forms a spine for the structure. Traveling along a curving track on the inside rim, the elevator makes two stops on the way to the eighth and top floor. The geared rack-and-pinion mechanism, as found on a funiculars similar the Millennium Bridge Inclinator in London or Odessa Funicular in Ukraine, keeps the elevator on track. What makes this the first of its type in the world, is a series of self levelling hydraulics to keep the cab level while an onboard electric traction motor slowly drives the elevator car up and down the series of sloping geared tracks. Aside from the shear scale of the project, this one of a kind kinetic component is the most interesting aspect of the Vessel and one that is too easily overlooked.
When questioned by design boom if the structure was designed as wheelchair accessible, Heather explains that his team crafted the lift with extra love in the details, asking the interviewer and to all of us “when have you ever been on a curving elevator?” While the inherent inaccessible nature of the structure — 150 feet of interconnected staircases, has been criticized as “not very friendly to those with mobility issues” as Curbed New York writer Amy Plitt notes in her opening visit, liking the piece to an always shinny penny.
On the other side of that penny, CEO Stephen Ross who shelled out $200 million for the art piece, accessible or not, argues that “it’s all about connection”. During the next few years as the public debates one way or the other whether they love the interconnected web of staircases and elevators. Since its March 15, 2019 premiere, the city that champions tall buildings and shiny spaces has shown up en masse with hundreds of thousands of images going viral. That spells good news for the city's tourism industry and a major accomplishment for the development.
While this unique vertical driving cab is specifically for people with mobility restraints, many of us will eagerly wait for our first ride on Heatherwicks curving elevator, and with his teams commitment to accessibility, everyone will be able to share us in the breathtaking views from New Yorks newest observation tower.
Le Dokhan's, Paris Arc de Triomphe is a luxury hotel located close to the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Guest rooms, restaurant, bar, fitness center and exceptional service are offered but what makes this hotel truly unique is its elevator cab, made from a vintage Louis Vuitton steamer trunk, adding luxury and nostalgia to guest experience. Perfect choice for luxury travelers visiting Paris.