The High Line

Join us for the compelling story of two gardens in the sky.

Starting with New York’s iconic High Line and closing with the National Trust’s groundbreaking Castlefield Viaduct in Manchester, we look at the transformative power of landscape-led regeneration.

Hear how the innovative reuse of historic industrial infrastructure, allows us to re-imagine cityscapes as vibrant, nature-rich environments.

 “An extraordinary gift to our city’s future” Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York

The High Line, a former elevated freight rail line, has become a global model for urban regeneration. Catalysed by community (‘Friends of the Highline’), this extraordinary sky garden now runs 2.33 km from the Meatpacking District in downtown Manhattan to 34^th Street, attracting 8 million visitors each year. The project is also credited for sparking $2 billion in investment into the city.

“Good design is good economic development… I know this is true.” Amanda Burden, NYC Planning Commissioner

The High Line’s success lies not just in its striking design, but in how it reconnects people to nature in the heart of the city. Drawing direct inspiration from this approach, Castlefield Viaduct is turning a disused railway bridge into a “sky park,” blending heritage, ecology, and community engagement.

The talk highlights how both projects breathe new life into neglected structures, offering blueprints for sustainable urban development. Can creative adaptations of our industrial past meet the needs of the future, by bringing biodiversity, wellbeing, and beauty into dense built environments? When city budgets are strapped, how do we make visionary projects happen? And what next for Castlefield Viaduct?

Our Speakers

• Carolin Göhler, President, Landscape Institute
• Annik LaFarge, High Line Historian
• Duncan Laird, Head of Urban Places, National Trust
• Jenny Ferguson, BDP

About Our Speakers

Carolin Göhler, President of the Landscape Institute

Carolin Göhler chartered landscape architect and horticulturalist with over 35 years’ experience across UK and international public, heritage, and urban projects, she champions sustainable, inclusive landscapes that enhance health, biodiversity, and community by integrating design, policy, and innovation

Annik Lafarge, High Line Historian

Annik LaFarge is a New York–based writer, photographer, historian and lecturer renowned for her expertise on the High Line. Since 2009, she’s chronicled its transformation via her blog Livin’ The High Line and her acclaimed book On the High Line (3rd ed. 2024). Annik joins us live from the U.S, technology allowing.

Duncan Laird, Head of Urban Places, National Trust

Duncan Laird has worked in the private, public and third sector leading sustainable change in urban areas to benefit people and the environment. He holds a Masters in environmental management, urban systems and is a chartered transport planner. He currently works for the National Trust, as Head of Urban.

Jenny Ferguson, Landscape Architect, BDP

Jenny Ferguson CMLI is an Associate Landscape Architect at BDP with 17 years’ experience on UK and international projects spanning public realm, education, healthcare, heritage, residential, and commercial sectors. A Manchester Metropolitan University graduate, she shapes green urban spaces that balance ecology, community, and sustainable design.

Chair: Pippa Goldfinger

The event takes place at Arnolfini, Bristol, BS1 4QA