Although it's not April 1 yet, you might think it is when you see oiio's new concept for Midtown Manhattan.
You might want to check the calendar when you see oiio's new concept for Midtown Manhattan. Even though it's not April 1 yet, their design will make you question the date. oiio is famous for creating unconventional ideas that spark discussions in the architectural field and beyond. Their latest concept is a super-tall high-rise inspired by the numerous “skinny skyscrapers” found in New York City, such as 432 Park Avenue by Rafael Viñoly and the upcoming 111 West 57th Street tower by SHoP Architects.
In order to fully embrace the unique zoning laws of the city, oiio has come up with a design that features two tall residential towers on 57th Street, also known as Billionaire's Row. Unlike other buildings in the area, this unconventional proposal doesn't end abruptly in the sky like 432 Park Avenue. Instead, the two towers meet in the middle, forming a remarkable arch that stretches high above the Manhattan skyline. This extraordinary design could potentially make it the longest building in the world.
It might appear very strange, but oiio suggests that it could be a practical way to achieve architectural immortality in a world where keeping records and logical design often get neglected. The architects state that “The Big Bend can be a simple architectural answer to the height restrictions of Manhattan. We can now create buildings with dimensions that will make them unique, without being concerned about the sky's limits.”
If you had any uncertainty about oiio's motives for unveiling this idea, their last visual – a surreal view of an indoor space at the top of the building – gives some clues. The picture is filled with satirical symbols that comment on the absurdity of New York's recent surge in tall buildings: An elderly man in a suit tries to grab his top hat, piles of money are spread out on a nerve-wracking glass floor, and extremely large curtains protect the solitary occupant from the sun's brightness.
These metaphors have multiple interpretations, similar to the skyscraper itself. Despite the building's absurd appearance, it will surely spark conversations about architecture and city planning more than any other project in 2017.
All images credit oiio
