The Vessel

The Vessel designed by Thomas Heatherwick’s Studio

Vessel, a central gathering point in New York city, designed by Thomas Heatherwick’s studio is an exercise in precision and clarity

Rising at the heart of Hudson Yards in New York City, Vessel reimagines what a public monument can be. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick and his studio, the structure is less an object to be observed and more an experience to be explored—an architecture defined by movement, interaction, and collective presence.

Comprising 16 storeys, 2,465 steps, and 80 landings, Vessel forms a striking three-dimensional lattice that invites visitors to climb, pause, and engage with the city from constantly shifting perspectives. Conceived as the central gathering point within the Hudson Yards development, the project responds to the challenge of scale—not by competing with the surrounding towers, but by creating a human-centred landmark that draws people inward and upward.

The design takes inspiration from the simple yet powerful typology of the staircase—spaces where people naturally gather, rest, and connect. This idea is expanded into a complex spatial network, influenced by the intricate geometry of traditional Indian stepwells, where layered steps create both movement and place. Here, however, the experience is not focused inward alone; it opens outward, framing views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline at every level.

Visually, Vessel is defined by its faceted, beehive-like form, clad in copper-toned stainless-steel panels. The reflective surface captures light, sky, and movement, giving the structure a constantly shifting presence within the public square.

Structurally, Vessel is an exercise in precision and clarity. A system of interlocking staircases forms a continuous geometric pattern, supported by a concealed steel framework that allows the structure to remain visually open while maintaining its integrity. The exposed steel spine reinforces this structural logic, subtly dividing the movement of ascent and descent, while the underside of the staircases is clad in a deep metallic finish that enhances its sculptural quality.

Every component of the structure is bespoke, from the joints to the handrails. Fabricated in Italy and assembled on site over three years, Vessel represents a complex feat of engineering brought together with an attention to detail that reinforces its sculptural presence. Despite its monumental presence, the design remains rooted in human experience, encouraging exploration, interaction, and a sense of shared space.

The work of Thomas Heatherwick has long blurred the boundaries between architecture, design, and art. Through Heatherwick Studio, his approach brings together disciplines to create projects that are both inventive and engaging. Vessel embodies this philosophy: a structure that transforms a simple act—climbing stairs—into a collective urban experience.