- Architecture & development
The story of ‘The Big Bend’ follows a recent trend that has appeared in New York City: the emergence of myriad tall and slender residential skyscrapers. But what if we substituted height with length? What if our buildings were long instead of tall?" That is how designer Ioannis Oikinomou of design studio Oiio, talks about his idea behind his latest design 'The Big Bend'.
For those who have been in New York recently and did not spot the new building: The Big Bend is just a presentation and hasn't been built yet. What we do know is where it will make its entrance and that will be with a spectacular view on Central Park. Not only will it be the longest building in New York, with its 610 meters it will also be the tallest building in The Big Apple.
"Not only will it be the longest building in New York, it will also be the tallest building in The Big Apple."
According to designer Oikinomou there are different ways a building can stand out, but to be able to do that, it must have a literary appearance. He says the height of a building acts as a permit to make it more expensive per square metre. He asked himself the question: “what if we replace the height by the length?” The Big Bend can offer a solution for the height restrictions in Manhattan. The extremely strict building regulations say: 'The sky is not the limit', because there must be enough daylight on the street.
From its tremendous height, The Big Bend bends back to ground level. In that way it forms one continuous volume. How to take an elevator in this kind of building? It is adjusted in such a way that it can simply go through the bends.
A fine piece of architecture to look forward to.
Images © Ioannis Oikonomou - oiio architecture studio