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
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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.
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Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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