Little Island: New York’s Floating Garden

Little Island is a dramatic 2.4 acre park built in the Hudson River that marries nature and art in an immersive experience. Punctuated by lush gardens and sinuous pathways, it descends and ascends in a kaleidoscope of color, offering sweeping panoramic views of Manhattan’s west side down to the Statue of Liberty and the Freedom Tower.

The unexpected topography of 28,000 perennials, grasses, and 100 “Hero Trees” was envisioned by famed landscape architect Signe Nielsen as a “floating leaf.” Hudson River Park’s $260M, architecturally-innovative addition was a collaboration of Heatherwick Studio, MNLA, and Arup.

Please join Neilsen, founding Principal of MNLA, for insights into the creation of Little Island and what lies ahead for New York’s newest gem.