Notes From the 6 Train: Let’s Get Low(line)

LOWLINE VIEW2 (Renderings of the park)

We’re not called the fashion institute if Technology for no reason. Within the last two weeks, I’ve gone to extremely engaging presentations about technology around the campus. The first was Disruptive Luxury about 3D printing. Sadie wrote a post about this that you should all check out. The second was about the Lowline. The Lowline, yes the name is inspired by the High Line, will be the world’d first underground park. The park is to be located in the Lower East Side, one-acre former Williamsburg Bridge Trolley Terminal, just below Delancey Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The site was opened in 1908 for trolley passengers, but has been unused since 1948 when trolley service was discontinued. The creators of this project want to reclaim this area and make it a public space again.

How is this even possible you may ask? The park would be lit by natural light collected around the city & then funneled into the park to mimic the going-ons of nature outside. This is revolutionary. For New York city, this is game changing. With the city being so crowded, having the ability to create more public space and harnessing all spaces, above ground (High Line) or below like the (Low Line) is an interesting concept that can possibly alter new architecture in New York. There are a number of cities who’ve traveled underground to find more space. Argentina, Chile, Canada, China and a number of other cities have created “underground cities,” but none have created an underground park.

How is this related to fashion? These guests weren’t random. The organizers and faculty at FIT are aware of how interconnected New York City is. Forward thinkers connect, no matter the industry. Plus, so many career opportunities will emerge from projects like this (or other start-ups). For example, as this project continues the Lowline will need people to help with advertising, marketing, and even interior design, because they intend to have events in the space when the park is closed. To have these events, they would need the space to be properly furnished and well put together, they may even need someone who knows textiles well, to know which fabrics will hold up in this type of environment without being damaged. Earlier this year they set up a test Lowline to see how possible this idea was, the park was only around for two weeks (see photo below). Next year another test park will be created for the duration of the entire year for all to enjoy.

static.squarespace (The two week park)

As inhabitants of New York we’re exposed to endless opportunities and it’s our job to see where and how our skills and talents fit in. Luckily, we attend a school that helps us in this department. Use them.

Here’s the link to the Lowline website if you want to learn more about the project: http://www.thelowline.org/

All things Color, Love, & Fashion,
Ayanna L.