The High Line's brand of urban reinvention has caught on, sparking a number of similar projects throughout the world. In addition to disused rail, many projects repurpose old road infrastructure.
The High Line concept has grown into something approximating a movement. Grace Chua writes, "Every month, it seems, another city announces plans for what inevitably gets marketed as its 'version of the High Line.' [...] As the New York comparisons stretch, the very phrase 'High Line' is morphing into a catch-all synonym for what urban planners would simply call a 'linear park.'"
This piece looks at several re-purposing concepts throughout the world, including the following:
- In Seoul, "the city government is turning a nearly 1-kilometer (half-mile) section of [a disused overpass] into a pedestrian walkway linking Seoul Station to downtown neighborhoods."
- In Tel Aviv, "the city council approved an ambitious, US$525 million project to cap part of the highway with a rooftop park."
- In Rome, a team funded by Renzo Piano transformed the area under a viaduct into a space for arts, exhibitions, and workshops.
- In Philadelphia, the Reading Viaduct Project envisions an elevated park very similar to New York's own.
FULL STORY: Inspired by New York’s High Line, if not always copying it
First Phase of Rail Park in Philadelphia Points to More Good Things to Come
A visit to the park highlights the creative reuse and design that is transforming an old railway into a vibrant public space.
Pittsburgh's Version of the High Line Takes Off
Pittsburgh is betting on its own version of New York City's famed elevated park, based on a 500-foot-long raised roadway connecting two warehouses.
Seoul to Debut Its Own High Line
Instead of a disused rail line, Seoul will repurpose one of its many old overpasses. The goal is to introduce green space and build up connective pedestrian infrastructure.
The City of Broken Sidewalks
Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?
Shifts in Shopping: Transforming Malls Into Parks
Maybe zombie malls still have a second life — one with a little greenery.
Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline
Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.
Survey: Americans Finding it Harder to ‘Age in Place’
While many people over 65 would prefer to stay in their homes and communities, high housing costs and a lack of accessible infrastructure make it difficult.
Old Walls, New Homes
From forgotten buildings to thriving neighborhoods, adaptive reuse has the power to transform our cities.
Housing as a Climate Resilience Strategy
Ensuring that housing, including in informal settlements, is safe and healthy for its residents is a key tool in the fight to build more sustainable and equitable communities in the face of climate migration.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Prescott
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Village of Glen Ellyn
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
CORP - COnsulting Research Projects
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners