Curved walls: Zaha Hadid turns her High Line condo hoarding into public art
![A temporary sculptural installation](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Dpsx6DwsqtXbc839waBYiQ-1280-80.jpg)
The hoardings that interject New York City's blocks, covering building sites, are rarely given a thought by architects or developers. It's notable, then, that the structures in front of Zaha Hadid’s much talked about residential tower beside New York’s High Line have been transformed into a veritable art installation, unveiled last week.
Titled Allonge, the temporary structure, which provides mandatory cover for the High Line’s pedestrians, is as fluid and curvilinear as the building – 520 West 28th Street – currently in construction next to it. Made from a silver metallic fabric that stretches over an undulating metal frame, the installation is a dazzling articulation of Dame Z’s signature style, that everyone can walk through. Almost 15 ft high and 112 ft long, the tunnel is inspired by the movement that occurs on the High Line. Not coincidentally, its sculptural form also echoes the design of the tower itself.
'Our collaboration with Ms Hadid has been exceptional and we are thrilled to unveil this new installation, designed to beautify the necessary overhead protection system. This beautiful installation serves as a civic gesture to the neighbourhood, embracing the innovative and artistic spirit of West Chelsea,' says Greg Gushee, executive vice president of Related Companies, the developer behind the project.
520 West 28th Street’s 11-storey building is made up of 39 individually conceived loft-style residences and eschews the archetype of rectangular units for a more amorphous footprint. The tower’s futuristic design, which fuses together two chevron shapes, is set to be a glittering addition to the High Line vicinity. With completion set for June 2016, the building still needs a while to take shape. In the meantime, a visit to Allonge will do just fine.
Made from a silver metallic fabric that stretches over an undulating metal frame, the installation provides mandatory cover for the High Line’s pedestrians
'This beautiful installation serves as a civic gesture to the neighbourhood, embracing the innovative and artistic spirit of West Chelsea,' says Greg Gushee, executive vice president of Related Companies, the developer behind the project
520 West 28thStreet marks Zaha Hadid's first residential build in New York City. The 11-storey building is made up of 39 loft-style residences and will complete in June 2016
The tower’s futuristic design fuses together two chevron shapes and eschews the archetype of rectangular units for a more amorphous footprint
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Pei-Ru Keh is a former US Editor at Wallpaper*. Born and raised in Singapore, she has been a New Yorker since 2013. Pei-Ru held various titles at Wallpaper* between 2007 and 2023. She reports on design, tech, art, architecture, fashion, beauty and lifestyle happenings in the United States, both in print and digitally. Pei-Ru took a key role in championing diversity and representation within Wallpaper's content pillars, actively seeking out stories that reflect a wide range of perspectives. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children, and is currently learning how to drive.
-
The world’s best denim brands, according to Wallpaper*
From heritage brands to luxury names and independent innovators, our comprehensive guide to the world’s best denim brands helps you find the perfect pair of jeans
By Mary Cleary Published
-
London’s Sloane Street has been transformed into a ‘green boulevard’
Iconic shopping destination Sloane Street has had a facelift, now boasting wider pavements, enhanced seating and lighting, and a massive planting scheme
By Anna Solomon Published
-
'We need to be constantly reminded of our similarities' – Jonathan Baldock challenges the patriarchal roots of a former Roman temple in London
Through use of ceramics and textiles, British artist Jonathan Baldock creates a magical and immersive exhibition at ‘0.1%’ at London's Mithraum Bloomberg Space
By Emily Steer Published
-
Zaha Hadid Architects reveals plans for a futuristic project in Shaoxing, China
The cultural and arts centre looks breathtakingly modern, but takes cues from the ancient history of Shaoxing
By Anna Solomon Published
-
This Rocky Mountains house is a ski-lover's dream escape
Bozeman, a Rocky Mountains house by Pearson Design Group and Frederick Tang Architecture, is a contemporary retreat that sits low in its natural, Montana setting
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Take a deep dive into The Palm Springs School ahead of the region’s Modernism Week
New book ‘The Palm Springs School: Desert Modernism 1934-1975’ is the ultimate guide to exploring the midcentury gems of California, during Palm Springs Modernism Week 2025 and beyond
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
A wavy roof tops this sophisticated take on a backyard cabin in California
This Californian Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) by Spiegel Aihara Workshop (SAW), offers an aesthetic and functional answer to housing shortages and multigenerational family living
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2025: let the desert architecture party begin
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2025 launches on 13 February, marking the popular annual desert event’s 20th anniversary, celebrated this year through more midcentury marvels than ever
By Carole Dixon Published
-
On the shores of Discovery Bay, this wooden house is the ultimate waterside retreat
Dekleva Gregorič’s Discovery Bay House is a structured yet organic shelter that blends perfectly into the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
The 10 emerging American Midwest architects you need to know
We profile 10 emerging American Midwest architects shaking up the world of architecture - in their territory, and beyond
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
A light-filled New York loft renovation magics up extra space in a deceptively sized home
This New York loft renovation by local practice BOND is now a warm and welcoming apartment that feels more spacious than it actually is
By Léa Teuscher Published