I agree: Demolish the vessel. Even the our canine companions know it is trash…….. 
Quote - Architectural Record
The administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, responsible for the Hudson Yards deal, should never have allowed a private developer to oversee the planning and operation of the mandated six acres of public space. Taking down the Vessel would begin to correct this enormous error in which the public interest was pushed aside. End Quote.
I’m gonna be honest…that’s a dumb idea. Plus using a child’s life for a reason to get rid of a great structure…terrible
People will find ways to off themselves in this city regardless. All this article points to is not wanting others (tourists and the rich) to witness it. They don’t actually care about the people ending their life. Please.
Also this is from 4 years ago before the netting went up.
Thanks for clarifying that. I was wondering how someone jumped with the netting. Why post something from 4 years ago?
As the caption reads: “am I allowed to pee on the vessel” . This was sort of a ‘taking-a-piss’ post - as the British like to say.. 
On a more sincere note; the need for the entire structure to be wrapped in netting is the point where I would ‘actually’ come to believe it is time to seriously consider demolishing the Vessel.
The whole project has turned into a fiasco. I know every child (and many adults) while waiting on line to climb the Vessel will raise the somber question: "Why is that net thing covering this Vessel". With that question begins the tiresome and sad explanation - which is a real downer IMHO.
Then there is the question of aesthetics: the whole point of a public sculpture is to be positive, beautiful, inspiring, etc. Now the whole public art piece just looks CACA. 
These are all interesting issues to ponder, and glad to see this thread has sparked so much public (and professional) commentary - even a link to Architectural Record no less. 
At the end-of-the-day I am on-the-fence as to the question of demolish/preserve. It is highly unlikely this massive structure will be demolished; but it is an interesting possiblity to ponder.
Actually, the Vessel in its present state, is a perfect, yet partial visual commentary on the society we live in today.
I vote to tear it down.
I like it! It is the most creative structure in the yards. The architectural quality of the surrounding buildings as a group is not great, especially because every facade is shiny glass The best neighborhoods in town have variety in finishes. SoHo is a great example. The addition of modern buildings in recent years has only added to the vibe. Heatherwick obviously screwed up by not anticipating jumpers, but the fix is actually pretty good. And it has cut out suicides from the top levels. Without the staircase the plaza would be a total bore And for those seeking tourism it is another people magnet for the city.
Mini tower of Babel.
Exactly. This is what lends credence to the many reputable (and reasonable) calls for demolition.
We have all been hearing stories for years now about the MANY people who have jumped from the NYU Bobst Library Atrium. It was fairly obvious to me that this structure would be a similar type of ‘attractor’.
There is I believe a legal term for this called “Attractive Nuisance” - not technically the same thing, but of a similar nature where a hazardous condition has been inadvertently created.
I agree, that public sculpture was beautiful; but the full visual artistic effect has been badly compromised with that netting wrapped around the entire structure. What is the point of that SCULPTURE: if now, it will no longer have the full and intended visual effect for which it was created.?
I am not sure the netting looks BAD ENOUGH to warrant the drastic measures of demolition; but it is bad enough to warrant reasonable consideration.
As you said: “Heatherwick obviously screwed up”… 
Shouldve just put an elaborate fountain to anchor the plaza like in the original renderings.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the continent, in todays local paper, Caltrans has announced that they will be spending 6.8 million to install 6,500 linear feet of chain link fencing on both spans of the 118 and 23 junction over the Arroyo Simi in Moorpark. The span is 90 tall at its highest and has been a favorite for jumpers. At least 14 people have committed suicide since the bridge was built in 1993, including 3 since 2018. When there is a will there is a way.
I’m with you - the vessel is the most memorable piece of architecture in HY - you can feel it when you walk around the area, people come from overseas to grab a pic of it - it’s not perfect, and I believe time will help fix it’s challenges. Sadly suicide jumpers are a problem that goes way beyond this structure, we shouldn’t blame it on the vessel.
meanwhile…when you’ve standing in line since 6:30 and around 8 are wondering when the hell they’re going to finally decide to open the Edge for your 7 am ticket, a few things jump out at you: #1 the growing aggravation and unrest in line…
#2 that the net-less view of the vessel is pretty good from up here.
I’m confused. Is that a mall?
That is the view from just outside the entry to the Edge (alongside which people line up to get in). About 50 ft to the right of this is a gigantic window which puts you at eye level to practically the top of the Vessel.
i.e. a 3 story fall that could potentially kill you…unless you’re a toddler and you happen to fall into a planter box
It all depends on how you fall. I know someone that survived a seven story fall onto a sidewalk with just a broken wrist and some chipped teeth. She was drunk at the time which may have helped.
I read a story about a drunk kid who fell out of a cruise ship and survived multiple days at sea. But the brothers who fell 50 stories out of a window washer is the most unbelievable of all
