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New ‘Big Bend’ Manhattan skyscraper could become the world’s longest building

New York City might soon host the longest skyscraper in the world, and its design is unlike anything ever seen before. The ambitious project, called The Big Bend, is the brainchild of Oiio, an architectural firm that’s reimagining what a skyscraper can be. At 4,000 feet in length, this unique U-shaped structure would redefine both the skyline and the concept of a skyscraper.


New ‘Big Bend’ Manhattan skyscraper could become world’s longest building

Image Credit: Oiio Studio


Why is The Big Bend designed this way? The answer lies in navigating New York City’s notoriously strict zoning laws. Developers are typically required to purchase air rights to extend buildings upward, which can drive costs sky-high. By bending the structure back to the ground, Oiio avoids these restrictions, creating a massive structure without the need to acquire additional vertical space. It's a clever and cost-effective workaround that exemplifies innovative thinking.


One of the standout features of this design is its elevator system, which is as groundbreaking as the structure itself. According to Oiio’s website: "The elevator can travel in curves, horizontally and in continuous loops. The innovative track changing system allows for the horizontal connection of two shafts on the top and bottom to create a continuous loop." This makes the U-shaped journey both functional and visually stunning.


Image Credit: Oiio Studio


If completed, The Big Bend would outshine Dubai's Burj Khalifa by over 1,000 feet in total length, and its height would surpass New York’s One World Trade Center by 200 feet. Ioannis Oikonomou, the project’s designer, explains the bold vision: “We have become familiar with building height measurements. But what if we substituted height with length? What if our buildings were long instead of tall? If we manage to bend our structure instead of bending the zoning rules of New York, we would be able to create one of the most prestigious buildings in Manhattan. The longest building in the world."


The concept is undoubtedly fascinating, but Oiio is still searching for investors to bring The Big Bend to life. If successful, this architectural marvel could become a defining feature of Manhattan, blending creativity, engineering, and ingenuity to overcome the limits of the skies.


 

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