The High Line as a Catalyst for Change

The High Line, now New York City's most popular tourist destination, has transformed urban space but has also fueled gentrification in the Meatpacking District. This evolution raises critical questions about urban design's impact on communities—particularly whether good design inadvertently leads to displacement. The complexity of architecture as a force for social equity is underscored by the way successful projects can enforce existing power structures, leaving marginalized populations vulnerable. The podcast emphasizes the urgent need for architects to consider community engagement and participation in the design process to mitigate such adverse effects.