Z-Dimension Architecture

In 1981, Steven Holl unveiled a visionary proposal to repurpose an obsolete elevated railway in New York’s Chelsea district, which after four decades is now known as the Highline, into a fusion of housing and public space. Since his innovative “bridge house” concept, which intertwined the railway’s infrastructure with the ground, Holl has consistently delved into an architectural paradigm that marries landscape and structure, addressing the city’s intricate layered form. Over the ensuing 40 years, this exploration has given birth to an array of projects that echo the ethos of three-dimensional architecture in harmony with the land. This multifaceted architectural form not only unveils expansive green spaces for the public but also stands as an iconic landmark.
Steven Holl’s architectural journey underscores a profound relationship with the land and an enduring commitment to integrating landscape and architecture. This approach epitomizes how the principle of Parallel Grounds can manifest in urban realms, carving out public spaces and bestowing green lungs. Through this exhibition, Steven Holl Architects seeks to illuminate how the Z-dimensional architectural philosophy evolved in synergy with the terrain, with a vivid display of the firm’s sketches and projects.