An urban rehabilitation proposal for the west side of Manhattan

Abstract

Chelsea is a multi-facet interesting neighborhood on the west site of Manhattan along the Hudson River, just north of Greenwich Village, stretching from 14th to 30th Stand from the river to Sixth Avenue towards the east. The idea was born to recover t he old High une and to create along it seeds that can grow, and improve the quality of lite revive curiosity, reestablish and enrich people relations, a "passeg-grata sensoriale" (promenade of senses), a walkway of the five senses. lts to revive a place, to bring to new lite the emotional impact settled in the sensorial memory of men and womens of the neighborhood a vast harbour. Millions of immigrams ... Social and cultural relations and confrontation and exchanges". And the project goes to the search of everyone's hidden memories, with the hope to incite to open-mindedness and dialogue. Each single situation wants to rediscover the joy of making, tasting, hearing, smelling and watching, and they culminate in the Centro Delle Arti (Arts Center), heart of the pathway, place of encountermg for ali the neighborhood, always mindful of social diversity and the art world. T h e track floor of the old High Une is restored and converted into a pedestrian pathway, with many connections with the street. Along this pathway, south and north of the art center, a number of activities are installed: Herbariums, where people can grow herbaceous plants, or just look at and smell herbs and spices and flowers and perfumes; music laboratories, where people can listen to hits, folles and classical music, but also to the sound of the harbour and old luxury ships; or local bands can play and record their works; food retail shops and cafés where casting speoalities, having a light meals or snacks, or enjoying soft drinks, tea or coffee, and meet people. At mid-way, walking along the High line. You find the central place, the art center equipped with laboratories open to professionals and amateurs, where you can make a search in the documentation area or amuse yourself watching the Works shown in the exhibition rooms or watching old potos or movies.