terrain + The Lowline

Since its introduction in 2011, the Lowline project has been a point of interest and inspiration for all of us at terrain. The brainchild of co-founders James Ramsey and Dan Barasch, the Lowline is a planned underground park-- the first of its kind in the world-- in New York City's Lower East Side. Using innovative solar technology to bring sunlight below ground, a historic trolley terminal will be transformed into a stunning, subterranean space for relaxation in the midst of a dense urban environment (check out their conceptual sketch in the final slide, above). Fundraising for the Lowline began with a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign, and continued this week with the organization's annual Anti-Gala. Hosted by director Spike Jonze and writer/Girls creator Lena Dunham, the evening was set against a backdrop of greenery designed and built by terrain's garden team. 

Upon arrival, guests were greeted by a living wall of soft, woodsy sedum where they could pause for a photo-op. As they headed inside, they enjoyed cocktail hour in the shade of a 20-foot olive tree at the center of the bar, then headed beneath swags of lush fern garland to dinner. The highlight of the evening was a Lowline-inspired pathway leading to the tables, complete with illuminated trees, abundant blooms, and drifts of autumn leaves. At their seats, guests were greeted by cheerful, fall troughs filled with mossy plantings and scattered pumpkins. In keeping with the green spirit of the Lowline, terrain's living plants from the event will find homes at the LES Ecology Center and other locations around the Lower East Side. 

The Lowline is projected to open in 2018. Learn more about the project and how you can contribute. Images courtesy of the Lowline.