EM – Located in the Hudson Yards district of New York City (US)The Vessel structure is 45 metres tall with 16 storeys and is often likened to a gigantic sculpture, created by the complex and captivating composition of 154 staircases interlinked in a geometric pattern.
Also known as the Hudson Yards Staircase, Vessel was expected to become a new icon of New York from the moment it was unveiled in 2016. This monumental artwork was completed in 2019 as part of the largest real estate development project in the United States, backed by a US$200 million investment from the two developers Related and Oxford Properties Group.
Heatherwick Studio was initially commissioned to design a public square for Hudson Yards—a welcoming destination for visitors and a communal gathering place for residents. The greatest challenge was to create a dramatic focal point that would stand out amid the surrounding skyscrapers.
Vessel was conceived with a distinctive architectural form, often compared to a giant “honeycomb” or “maze” that ties together the entire Hudson Yards district. Sculptural in appearance, the structure rises 45 metres, comprises 16 storeys and nearly 2.500 steps, all arranged in a carefully ordered way to create a continuous three-dimensional network. It can accommodate up to 1.000 visitors at a time.
The entire structure is formed by the interconnection of its stairways, which together act as the primary load-bearing frame. The underside of each stair is clad in copper-toned steel, making the whole piece gleam in the sunlight. Vessel employs a closed structural system that does not rely on conventional columns or beams; instead, a steel column is inserted between each pair of stairways, creating a naturally integrated, self-supporting network.
A total of 154 welded-steel staircases were prefabricated in Venice, Italy, and shipped to the United States on 6 large vessels. The assembly process spanned more than three years and faced numerous challenges, but the result is a visually stunning and structurally robust landmark, with every detail, from joints to handrails, individually engineered.
However, with such a complex maze of stairways, the question arises: how can everyone – including visitors with limited mobility — fully experience this structure? This is where a sophisticated and distinctive technical solution comes into play: Vessel’s elevator system.
The Vessel is not only an interactive work of art but also a highly complex structure that poses significant challenges for movement. With 154 stairways and nearly 2.500 steps, reaching the upper levels can be difficult for many visitors. For this reason, Heatherwick Studio collaborated with Liberty Elevator Corporation to design a truly unique elevator system, one that seamlessly integrates with the overall architecture while also meeting New York City’s rigorous accessibility standards.
Hidden within the intricate network of staircases, a glass elevator is positioned on the south side of the structure, specifically designed to serve visitors with limited mobility. Traveling at a maximum speed of 30.5m/min, the elevator smoothly transports passengers to the top of the tower, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city along the way.
Integrating an elevator system into the open design of the Vessel presented a significant challenge. Engineers needed to ensure that the installation would not compromise the artistic integrity of the structure. Additionally, since the elevator is fully exposed to New York’s harsh weather conditions, from humid, salty summer air to heavy winter snowstorms, it had to be exceptionally durable and reliable.
This elevator has been recognized as “one of the most complex elevators in the world.” Its shaft does not follow a straight line but instead twists along a curved path with multiple inclines, while still stopping at all eight floors, each with uniquely elevated landings.
To address this challenge, the elevator was engineered to travel on a curved track using a rack-and-pinion mechanism, a technology more commonly seen in inclined elevator systems.
What sets this elevator apart is its innovative self-balancing hydraulic systems, which ensure the cab remains perfectly level as it moves along the curved and inclined track.
All of the complex mechanical components, including heating and cooling systems are cleverly hidden within the cab floor, so nothing obstructs visitors’ panoramic views of the stunning surrounding scenery.
The elevator’s control system is fully wireless, transmitting commands via WiFi from the machine room to the cab and eliminating the need for traditional electrical cables. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also improves safety and efficiency.
By integrating advanced technology into such a complex architectural structure, the designers overcame every challenge to create a vertical journey that is safe, convenient, and seamlessly aligned with the Vessel’s overall aesthetic. The elevator is more than just a functional feature, it is a remarkable feat of engineering creativity that elevates the entire structure.
Vessel is not only a public square of more than 2,210 m², but also a vibrant tourist hub — an unmissable check-in spot for avid photo-takers and even the main setting for the hit music video Takeaway by Lennon Stella and The Chainsmokers.
This structure has become a new architectural icon, part of New York’s “race to the sky,” helping to shape the city’s future architectural landscape.
Content: Phương Trang
Images: synthesis
