# Futuristic Pier Parks Thomas Heatherwick Designs a Floating Landscape Above the Hudson River By Meghan Young | Published 2014-11-18 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pier-park References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/3038666/fast-feed/thomas-heathwick-is-designing-a-170-million-park-above-the-hudson-river) In a similar effort as the High Line, billionaire couple Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenburg are funding a pier park above the Hudson River. What will be dubbed Pier55, it will essentially be a [floating landscape held up on stilts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/piloti-canopy). The pier park will have a futuristic look, which will help bring even more greenery to New York City. A $170 million project, the pier park will be a partnership between the Hudson River Park Trust and the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation. It will be designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick and landscape architect Mathews Nielsen. The pier park will feature an [undulating surface](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-riverfront) made up of interconnected [mushroom-shaped columns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carbon-garden-pavilion), which gives it its overall sci-fi aesthetic. In addition to a park, it will feature three performance areas. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Floating Landscapes:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in creating innovative green spaces above bodies of water. - **Futuristic Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in designing architectural structures with a sci-fi aesthetic. - **Outdoor Performance Spaces:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in combining public parks with dedicated areas for outdoor performances. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Disruptive innovation opportunities for architects in designing unique structures that challenge traditional norms. - **Urban Planning:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in reimagining urban landscapes to incorporate green spaces and public performance areas. - **Tourism:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in attracting tourists and visitors by creating distinctive and futuristic landmarks. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ribbon-Like Riverfront Parks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/belvedere-park.md) - [Upcoming Architectural Floating Parks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centroparco.md) - [Reanimated Power Plant Parks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manresa-island.md) - [Manhattan Public Beach Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/public-beach-set.md) - [Oyster-Shell Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-pier-pavilion.md) - [Floating Marine Park Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smrket.md) - [Musical Island Regeneration](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soundscape-1.md) - [Artfully Made Floating Plazas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aquapraa.md) - [Aquarium Park Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lmn-architect.md)