British designer Thomas Heatherwick's futuristic elevated garden Pier55 construction has been given the go-ahead by the US Army’s Corps of Engineers and the construction of 2.7 acre Pier55 starts this summer. The project designed by Heatherwick Studio in 2014 in collaboration with landscape architect Mathews Nielsen to design a public park and performance space on Manhattan's lower west side, commissioned by a non-profit organisation and funded primarily by the Diller, which will build and cooperate the Pier in collaboration with the Hudson River Park Trust.

areal view of Pier55. Image © Luxigon

Last week, the Hudson River Park Trust announced the Pier55 will go ahead to construct after a judge dismissed a lawsuit from environmental and civic advocates. The Pier55 will house a 700-seat amphitheater as well as gardens. The project sit on 300 pylons ranging from 15ft to 70ft in length. Heatherwick Studio's $130-million topographical park will feature fish habitat as well as various plant species, raised up by mushroom-like piles over the Hudson River. The project will be partially funded by the von Furstenberg-Diller family, and receives $40-million from the city of New York. 

A closer view to the futuristic garden. Image© Luxigon

"The pier will be a place of discovery, where visitors can wander and wonder, finding something new around every corner: places to lounge, eat lunch, or just lie in the grass," said Heatherwick Studio in its project description.

View of souther space looking north. Image © Luxigon

The Pier55 proposes a new performance venue, which will be designed to immediately serve as one of New York City's premier venue's for music, dance, theatre and public art, along with community events. 

Pier55 garden floating. Image © Luxigon

Judge Joan Lobis, who threw out the lawsuit, said: ''A significant purpose of maintaining event spaces.'' Madelyn Wils, the Hudson River Park Trust President, said the project would be built “in a way that would be respectful of the environment.''

Night view on the river. Image © Luxigon

Amphitheater looking southwest at the sunset. Image © Luxigon

Top Image: Pier 55 in context of the west side. Image © Luxigon

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