Kohn Pedersen Fox's Edge observation deck has an exterior staircase and glass floor over Hudson Yards
– Jason Horkin
Hudson Yards has announced that its Kohn Pedersen Fox-designed observation deck Edge will open in March next year at a height of 1,131ft (345m) and will extend 80ft (24m) out from the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards.
Edge, which Hudson Yards says will be the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere, features an outdoor glass floor and an outdoor staircase from levels 100 to 101 with seating where visitors can take in the views.
Weighing in at 765,000lb (347,000kg), the deck comprises 15 sections that are bolted together around the east and south sides of the building.
It features a 7,500sq ft (697sq m) outdoor viewing area that is surrounded by 79 panels of glass that are angled outwards so visitors can lean out over the edge of the deck.
Jason Horkin, executive director of Hudson Yards Experiences, said: "Stepping onto Edge is like walking out into the sky. The entire experience is designed to inspire visitors and ignite a new passion for New York City with multiple, built-in thrill elements that ensure Edge becomes a must-see local attraction and a top spot on every travellers' bucket list."
Also on the 100th floor is a champagne bar where visitors can enjoy the views from inside or outside and, elsewhere, there is a restaurant, a bar, a café and an event space. The interiors are being designed by Rockwell Group.
Work on-site began in April 2018 and it took about a month to construct the observation deck after the sections arrived.
Kohn Pedersen Fox Hudson Yards New York