The Urbanist Liz Diller on how the High Line continues to evolve in New York
Nov 6, 2025
Liz Diller, co-founder of Diller, Scofidio + Renfro and the visionary behind New York's High Line, shares insights on the project's ongoing evolution and its impact on the surrounding neighborhood since COVID. She recounts the challenges of staging cultural events, like an opera on the High Line, and hints at future expansions. Sheena Rossiter discusses urban growth challenges in Canadian cities, highlighting the need for denser, mixed-use developments and effective policy changes to accommodate rising populations.
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High Line As Ongoing Urban Experiment
- The High Line remains unfinished and continually evolves, acting as a living urban experiment.
- Liz Diller sees it as a spark that made people rediscover simple urban pleasures like walking.
Unfinished Stretch Near Hudson Yards
- The High Line currently stops around 30th Street and skirts Hudson Yards, leaving a decked-over section unfinished to the river.
- Diller values the rawness of the unfinished section where you can still see active trains beneath.
Rely On Donors And Programming
- Secure dedicated donor funding because city budgets cover barely any operating costs for signature parks.
- Keep programming active to maintain freshness and public engagement despite limited municipal upkeep.