Little Island, opened in 2021, offers 2.5 acres of new waterfront park within Hudson River Park. Born from a collaboration of UK-based Heatherwick Studio and NY-based landscape architecture firm MNLA, led by Signe Nielsen, FASLA, Little Island provides an intersection of nature, art, and community.

Nielsen's landscape design for Little Island was conceived as a leaf floating on water-a space designed for every season, that could be both surprising and inspiring for New York City. She will share insights into the design process, from the park's dynamic topography that minimizes environmental impacts to its diverse planting selection, which includes 35 species of trees. With views of the city's skyline at its highest point to the embrace of the warm palette of plantings at pier level, Nielsen will also discuss the importance of the park's choreography and how its pathways allow the visitor to choose their own unique experience.