Architecture

NYC skyscraper's observation deck isn't for the faint of heart

NYC skyscraper's observation deck isn't for the faint of heart
NYC's 30 Hudson Yards, by KPF, is the tallest building in the United States to be completed in 2019 and rises to a height of 387 m (1270 ft)
NYC's 30 Hudson Yards, by KPF, is the tallest building in the United States to be completed in 2019 and rises to a height of 387 m (1270 ft)
View 8 Images
NYC's 30 Hudson Yards, by KPF, is the tallest building in the United States to be completed in 2019 and rises to a height of 387 m (1270 ft)
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NYC's 30 Hudson Yards, by KPF, is the tallest building in the United States to be completed in 2019 and rises to a height of 387 m (1270 ft)
Floor 101 of 30 Hudson Yards will comprise a restaurant, bar, café and event space operated by London-based Rhubarb Hospitality Group
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Floor 101 of 30 Hudson Yards will comprise a restaurant, bar, café and event space operated by London-based Rhubarb Hospitality Group
The center of the Edge observation deck features a glazed floor area
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The center of the Edge observation deck features a glazed floor area
The entire Edge observation deck weighs in at 765,000 lb
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The entire Edge observation deck weighs in at 765,000 lb
Named 30 Hudson Yards, the mixed-use supertall skycraper is designed by KPF and rises to a height of 387 m (1,269 ft)
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Named 30 Hudson Yards, the mixed-use supertall skycraper is designed by KPF and rises to a height of 387 m (1,269 ft)
Structurally, the observation deck consists of 3,000 sq ft (278 sq m) of glass, divided into 79 panels
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Structurally, the observation deck consists of 3,000 sq ft (278 sq m) of glass, divided into 79 panels
The Edge observation deck will offer choice views of NYC
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The Edge observation deck will offer choice views of NYC
The project is part of the massive Hudson Yards development
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The project is part of the massive Hudson Yards development
View gallery - 8 images

Work is nearing completion on a supertall skyscraper in New York City that will boast the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. The dramatic viewing point will offer choice views of the area but probably isn't a good fit for those afraid of heights as it features a glazed floor and walls.

Named 30 Hudson Yards, the mixed-use office tower is designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) and rises to a height of 1,269 ft (387 m). It's actually one of a pair of towers, along with 10 Hudson Yards, that tilt away from each other and, as its name suggests, is also part of the same massive Hudson Yards development that hosts Heatherwick Studio's Vessel.

The entire Edge observation deck weighs in at 765,000 lb
The entire Edge observation deck weighs in at 765,000 lb

The observation deck itself is named the Edge and is located near the top of the tower at the 100th floor, which is a height of 1,131 ft (344 m). It juts out 80 ft (24.8 m) and measures 7,500 sq ft (696 sq m). It has a large glazed section at its center and angled glass walls allowing visitors to lean out over the city streets below.

The press release promises excellent views of the Big Apple's iconic skyline and of New Jersey and New York State for up to 80 miles (128 km), if visibility is ideal.

The center of the Edge observation deck features a glazed floor area
The center of the Edge observation deck features a glazed floor area

Structurally, the observation deck consists of 3,000 sq ft (278 sq m) of glass, divided into 79 panels that were made in Germany and Italy. Each panel is 9 ft (2.7 m) tall and weighs 1,200 lb (544 kg). The whole thing is bolted together and anchored to the east- and south-facing sides of the skyscraper and weighs in at 765,000 lb (346,998 kg).

The Edge is due to open in March 2020, and if you're so inclined, you can book your tickets now.

Sources: KPF, Hudson Yards

View gallery - 8 images
4 comments
4 comments
paul314
Nice renders. I hope they've done the wind-loading calculations right, especially the ones about whether gusts could blow people right out of that little pocket.
ljaques
Well, at $31-$90 per person for the visit, they'll have that tower paid off in no time. I'm very glad I chose the Empire State Building over the Twin Towers in '98, because I still have sweet memories of the trip instead of haunted, tainted ones. And Paul has me thinking that people would be better off visiting in times of =quiet= weather. Surprisingly, I like the style of the building. (Our President Trump used to own some of that Hudson Yards acreage.)
Brian M
Scary stuff if you don't like heights - Just keeping telling yourself if the glass fails you have at least 8.4 seconds to watch your life flash by, probably a lot less time than I need!
buzzclick
Have been to the Empire State Building and the original WTC where their observation decks discouraged getting too close to the edge making it difficult to contemplate suicide. Here we have a fence of glass that leans outwards! I had to go elsewhere to see the whole construction of the Hudson Yards buildings. Quite impressive. One thing that struck me was the buildings across the street, a century old, with water tanks on their roofs. It's the special character of the mixed bag of NYC architecture that is unique in the world.