DS+R is an architectural firm founded in 1979 by Elizabeth Diller and Richard Scofidio. The firm consists of Diller, Scofidio, and Charles Renfro. DS+R is known for designing the High Line in NYC. Their design for the High Line Phase II incorporated elements of preserving the original intent, retaining organic overgrowth, making it socially multifunctional, and contrasting the park above the city below. They divided the space into discrete planted and paved regions using an "Agri-tecture" approach.

1. DS+R
Diller Scofidio + Renfro
Architectural design of the High Line, NYC

2. DS+R
DS+R consists of three principal architects: Elizabeth Diller,
Richard Scofidio, and Charles Renfro (respectively as shown
below); the former two originally founded the studio in 1979.
Diller: Professor in Princeton
University’s School of Architecture
Scofidio: Professor Emeritus at
Cooper Union
Renfro: Vstng. professor at
Columbia and Rice University

3. DS+R
DS+R have worked on a wide array of architectural projects. In New York City alone, besides
the design of High Line Phase II, they have redesigned various elements of Lincoln Center,
made several novel commercial/residential proposals in Midtown and the Lower West Side,
and are commissioned to design the Columbia University Medical Center.

4. DS+R
The architects were “inspired by the melancholic, unruly
beauty of this postindustrial ruin, where nature has reclaimed
a once vital piece of urban infrastructure, the new park
interprets its inheritance...”
The main objectives:
 Preserve the original intent behind the High Line
Retain the overgrowth in the park in an organic
and eco-friendly way
 Make the site socially multifunctional
Make the overall contrast between the city below
and the High Line above as great as possible
“Agri-tecture” - Part agriculture, part-architecture,
divides the space into discrete regions that range
from being fully paved to fully planted, and
encourages “between-the-cracks” growth of all
sorts of vegetation.

5. The Gansevoort Woodland
Evidently, such spaces are more aesthetic than functional; the walkways are
narrower, perhaps more attractive to wandering couples and photographers.

6. The 23 rd Street Lawn
The other end of the spectrum would be this spacious area, with plenty of room for
anyone who wishes to take a rest or enjoy the view.

7. The 30 th Street Cutout
This much abandoned space is hard to find in the city, so it gave DS+R a chance to
experiment with interesting concepts such as this, a semi-transparent bridge over a
New York City street.

8. Untouched sections
Most of the shown track is in a left-to-die-since-the-1980s state and is found only
upwards of West 30th Street. This will most likely change, however; there is a Phase
III planned for the northward expansion of the High Line.

9. Sources
http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/portfolio/archives/0910h
ighline-1.asp
http://www.dsrny.com
http://www.thehighline.org/design/designslideshow.htm
http://soa.princeton.edu/02fac/fac_frame.html
http://news.columbia.edu/pressroom/2273