Sneak Peek at Hudson Yards "Work Live Play" EEK! We're Being Played

Bells, whistles & "Thistle" is what I thought British architect Thomas Heatherwick called his public space structure previewed today by a few privileged lookey loos (like me.)  Thistle is an apt  nomenclature for the designed space Heatherwick calls the "Vessel" under construction in the Hudson Yards.  The project will be a fait accompli in 2018.  I've dubbed it "Beehive" which jives with this ingenious & well intentioned public square & garden.  I would compare Heatherwick's design with works by Chinese architects I.M. Pei, & Ma Yansong or Dutch born Ben van Berkel or Alvaro de Melo Siza of Portugal; the top echelon architects working today.  Bravo to the Beehive but No to the spin this is a win for the city.  The Highline (used as a comparison) is magnificient and has reinvigorated the area with its gardens & public space.  The Highline is only 2 stories above ground & 2 miles long with views open to the River.  The Beehive is a minor distraction to the major construction of 8 towering skyscrapers that will eclipse the entire surrounding area.  I say no to blocking the breeze, the trees the sky, the birds & the …whatever.  Today's event was hosted by Anderson Cooper who interjected interpretations for Heatherwick's British misnomers.  Billionaire builder & driving force, Stephen Ross was there to sell us on this project that will put more millions in his pocket.  The highlight was the amazing Alvin Ailey Dancers.  They performed a piece choreographed by Matthew Rushing who had his dancers in street clothes.  His clever & energetic work captured the pulse of our city.  However, I felt the dancers were used and this event a ruse to distract from the fiasco of the encroaching construction on every cubic inch of our city.  Mayor DeBlasio was on there & credited his predecessor Mayor Bloomberg.  Bloomberg sold out the skyline rights along Central Park South before he got out.  (Bloomberg wasn't present.)  Outgoing Police Chief Bratton was in attendance.  DeBlasio profusely thanked him which is code for scram.  DeBlasio told Thomas "If you meet 100 New Yorkers you will find 100 different opinions on the beautiful work you've created.  Do not be dismayed." Not flattering & not credible was his promise of affordable housing.  I have an opinion,  yes to more public instead of getting less.  The city is already too claustrophobic and cost prohibitive.