Annik LaFarge lecturing at the American Library in Paris
Photo © Danielle Voirin 2013
Annik LaFarge lectures widely on the High Line, using hundreds of photographs -- archival photos and maps as well as contemporary images, including many rooftop and aerial photos -- to illustrate her talks. Lectures are customized for each audience. Subjects include:
The History of the High Line, going back to the 1830s when the railroad first came to NYC.
An International Model of Adaptive Reuse: the High Line’s transformative role in urban placemaking around the globe, sparking the development of innovative urban greenways and public spaces in cities of all sizes.
Public Art and Programming on the High Line: the vital role of public art, educational and cultural programming on the High Line.
Robert Moses' West Side Improvement Project: this gigantic project finally provided a solution to the problem of "Death Avenue" by creating the elevated freight railroad known as the High Line.
"The Lifeline of New York": the history of Manhattan's 19th century open-air farmer's markets near Gansevoort Street, and the High Line's crucial role in the 20th century in providing a commercial freight link that brought food from virtually every state in the country to New York City.
The Marriage of River and Rail: how the great Hudson River port and the railroad that ran parallel to it enabled New York City to become "the mistress of the commerce of the world."
The High Line’s Innovative Design: how the landscape architects, architects and horticultural team incorporated and paid tribute to the railroad’s history in the park’s design.
Joel Sternfeld and the essential role of photography: how landscape photographer Joel Sternfeld’s images, taken over the course of a year, helped define the vision that would guide and inform the park’s design, and how photography continues to play a significant role in the park’s success.
Horticulture on the High Line: the philosophy of plant design that guided James Corner Field Operations and Piet Oudolf, the Dutch plantsman who created the park's horticultural plan.
Engaging with the Neighborhood: the cultural, industrial and manufacturing history of West Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen and the West Village from the Industrial Revolution to the present.
The Hudson River's "Lighterage System": the little-known but fascinating network of railroad barges or "car floats" and terminal freight warehouses, including the Starrett-Lehigh Building, that empowered commerce along the West Side of Manhattan and whose remnants can still be seen in architecture and monuments around the High Line.
WALKING TOURS
In addition to lectures and speaking events, LaFarge also conducts walking tours for Friends of the High Line as well as for private groups. Recent lectures & walking tours have been specially prepared for librarians, booksellers, teachers, community groups, schools, media, and businesses. To inquire about lectures or to arrange a private walking tour, please use the contact form on this website.
PREVIOUS LECTURES
THE AMERICAN LIBRARY IN PARIS: Tuesday, April 4, 7:30 PM, in Paris
The American Library in Paris
10, rue du Général Camou, 75007 Paris, France
"On the High Line: A Walk Through New York's Paris-Inspired Park"
More details at AmericanLibraryinParis.org
RECENT WALKING TOUR
ON THE HIGH LINE: Wednesday, July 11, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Join Rick Darke and Annik LaFarge on a special walking tour of the High Line. Learn about the past, present and future of the High Line's multilayered landscape. As we walk we’ll talk about the history of the neighborhood — the railroads and port, industry, culture, architecture — and the plants and horticultural design of the park.
Sign up at TheHighLine.org. The walk begins at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, July 11, and will last an hour. Tickets are $15 ($10 for members of Friends of the High Line); all proceeds help fund the High Line, both today and in the future. The meeting location will be provided in the confirmation email.
To contact Rick Darke about a lecture, please visit RickDarke.com
Become a member of Friends of the High Line here.
Photo Credits:
Annik La Farge at the American Library in Paris. Photos © Danielle Voirin 2013, www.daniellevoirin.com
Aerial High Line, Tenth Avenue Square. Photo © Annik La Farge 2012
Annik La Farge & Rick Darke on the Reading Viaduct, Philadelphia. Photo: © Rick Darke 2011, www.rickdarke.com