I thought you guys would like it, so I wrote a few posts about city aesthetics, but the response was pretty lukewarm ㅠ. It seems like the users here are more interested in real estate development. So, I brought Hudson Yards Phase 2.0, the biggest development project currently underway in the US.

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<View of the already completed Hudson Yards Phase 1.>

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<The Vessel, the symbol of Hudson Yards, and the Hudson Yards Mall.>

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<Hudson Yards Mall> Hudson Yards Phase 2 is the latter part of a massive redevelopment project located right next to the Hudson River on the west side of Manhattan, NYC. Generally known images of Hudson Yards—like the skyscraper forest, the Vessel, and large malls—are mostly the results of Phase 1. Phase 2 is the plan to develop the Western Rail Yard that remains just south of it.

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<View of the MTA West Side Yard, the site for Hudson Yards Phase 2> It's an area of huge urban significance, as it's practically the last undeveloped land of this scale left in the heart of Manhattan. Originally, this area was used as a rail yard and was inaccessible to the public. Urban-wise, it acted as a barrier, cutting off Midtown West. The overall Hudson Yards project started with the goal of breaking this isolation and expanding Manhattan's west side in earnest. Many see Phase 1 as a symbolic commercial and office-centric development, while Phase 2 is a stage involving reflection and revisions of that approach.

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<Map of Hudson Yards completed through Phase 2> The biggest feature of Phase 2 is the development method itself. Since this is an active rail yard where trains still run, they aren't clearing the land; instead, they're installing a massive artificial deck over the tracks first. Then, buildings, roads, and public spaces are built on top. It's technically very difficult and incredibly expensive. They have to solve noise, vibration, fire safety, and ventilation issues, so it's on a different level from simple real estate development. In terms of programming, Phase 2 is definitely heading in a different direction from Phase 1. While Phase 1 focused on high-rise offices and luxury retail, Phase 2 has a much larger residential component, specifically including large-scale affordable housing. Since securing affordable housing of this scale in the heart of Manhattan is nearly impossible, it's a project with high political symbolism for NYC.

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<Render of Hudson Yards Phase 2> In fact, Phase 1 received a lot of criticism for being “too artificial,” looking like an “island for the wealthy and big corporations,” and “not feeling like New York.” While it looked glamorous on the outside, people pointed out its weak connection to the existing urban fabric and lack of warmth. Aware of these criticisms, Phase 2 aims to be more like a neighborhood where people actually live and lead their lives, rather than just a landmark development. The lower floors will house schools, community facilities, and public spaces, and the building layout plans to avoid the excessive density seen in Phase 1. Of course, this doesn't mean it'll become a naturally evolved city like old NYC. It's still a planned development, so limitations like the large-block structure remain. However, opinions are split as it at least attempts a more urban compromise than Phase 1.

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<River-facing facade of Hudson Yards Phase 2>

<Residential building designed by Zaha Hadid, already completed next to the Phase 2 site>

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<Aerial view of Manhattan's west side: Blue - Phase 1, Yellow - Phase 2, Red - Expected future development area of Midtown West> From a city aesthetics perspective, Phase 2 is considered the final puzzle piece to complete the Manhattan West skyline. It has a great effect of tying the High Line, the Hudson waterfront, and Midtown West into one continuous urban space, filling in the western edge that previously felt like a void. Also, since the High Line wraps around the Phase 2 site, there's a high chance of creating a more organic, pedestrian-centric space.

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<3D rendering of Hudson Yards Phase 2> On the other hand, skeptical views remain that it still won't be able to shake off that “planned new city” feel. To sum up, Hudson Yards Phase 2 isn't just an extension of Phase 1, but more like a follow-up experiment involving revisions and reflection. It's a significant project in urban history as the last massive development site in Manhattan. Judging Hudson Yards based only on Phase 1 is definitely insufficient; I think you have to see the completed form including Phase 2 to truly see what this development means for New York. Of course, we'll have to see the results for ourselves. Source: City Aesthetics Gallery [View Original]