zaha hadid architects celebrates the high line with the H-line hat

in 1999, community residents of manhattan’s west side founded the ‘friends of the high line’ in an effort to preserve and transform an historic elevated railway under threat of demolition. the 23 city-block long high line has become an icon of public green space in new york and a transformative catalyst for innovative design in the neighborhood. ‘friends of the high line’ continues to support more than 98 percent of the park’s annual operation and maintenance budget.

in support of their efforts the organization will host the ‘hat party on the highline’ on 14 june 2018. the hat party draws inspiration from the design-oriented culture and bold personalities of the neighborhood. guests are encouraged to showcase their creativity through through its hat themed dress code. zaha hadid architects (ZHA), who has just completed its first new york city project, has created the 3D printed ‘H-line hat’ in support of the event.

all images © luke hayes

patrik schumacher’s design of the sinuous H-line hat echos the fluidity of the steel facade of ZHA‘s residential project along the high line, 520 west 28th. to traverse the length of the high line is to experience the many layers of new york’s rich architectural history – the formal, contemporary image of ZHA’s project adds yet another layer to the ever-evolving site.

the H-line hat is not the only creation in support of the event. local new york milliners have partnered with friends of the high line and have introduced their own special edition hats, inspired by the park and currently on auction. together with the H-line hat, these creations reflect the bold image of the downtown personality and the artful and innovative feel of the high line experience.