This rollercoaster-inspired NYC skyscraper is one of the wildest things we've ever seen
Designed to arch high above Billionaire's Row on 57th Street, The Big Bend would top out at 2,000 feet, making it taller than One World Trade Center. But height isn't the only headline here. Instead of going up and up like its super-slender neighbors, this one bends over itself in a giant architectural horseshoe, connecting two towers at the summit in an elegant (or unhinged?) curve.
So why build a skyscraper that looks like it belongs in an amusement park? Zoning laws, of course. New York City's restrictive height and floor area rules make traditional vertical builds more expensive. By substituting height for length, Oiio's architects argue that The Big Bend is a 'modest solution' to Manhattan's sky-high limitations. And hey, if you can't go higher, go longer.
The elevator concept alone is enough to make your head spin. Rather than a standard up-and-down shaft, the building would use a looping elevator system capable of moving vertically, horizontally and around curves. Think: The subway meets Space Mountain.
Despite its jaw-dropping design (and several renderings that have lit up Instagram and TikTok), The Big Bend remains firmly in fantasy territory. It's more satire than scaffolding: Oiio has never submitted serious blueprints or filed construction plans. Their own posts hint at the project as a commentary on the absurdity of luxury real estate, with visuals that include top hats, cash stacks and a dizzying amount of glass and steel.
Still, the concept has sparked conversation around city planning, inequality and Manhattan's increasingly surreal skyline. Whether you love it or loathe it, there's no denying The Big Bend would change the game—and the view—from Central Park.
Want a closer look at this architectural fever dream? Head to Oiio Studio's website to explore the renderings and decide for yourself: genius, joke or somewhere in between.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
21 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Expert uses 93p supermarket buy to fix holiday hair disasters
Celebrity hairstylist Phil Smith reveals his unusual hack for treating blonde hair that's gone brassy in the sun or green from too much chlorine... Sun, sea, swimming pool s - why are all the best bits of summer the worst for your hair? Celebrity hairdresser Phil Smith, who has tended the locks of Tess Daly and Emily Blunt, says he always sees a surge in clients arriving at his salon worrying about frizzing, colour fade and frazzled scalps at this time of year. 'Maintaining effortless, healthy hair all summer can be a challenge - but with the right tips, tricks and products, you can protect your locks without compromising on style and quality,' he says. Don't fall for TikTok hair sunscreen hacks We've all experienced that sting in the shower after a day at the beach - the telltale sign of a sunburned scalp. But avoiding a pink parting isn't always as easy as it sounds. 'I've seen people on TikTok suggest mixing sunscreen with water in a spray bottle to mist over the scalp,' says Phil. 'Unfortunately, this just dilutes the SPF, making it far less protective. And it's a big no no if you have hair extensions too. 'If the sunscreen contains ingredients like avobenzone, it can leave rust-like stains on them,' he adds. Instead, a smarter approach is to choose a hairstyle that eliminates your parting altogether. 'Slicking your hair back into a ponytail is one option, but that can be a bit harsh and doesn't suit everyone. I recommend going for a topknot or a couple of soft buns instead. Just leave a few loose strands out for a softer, more effortless look - it's protective and super cute.' Use ketchup to boost blonde tones It's particularly tough being a blonde in summer, when colour can be left brassy and battered by pollution and UV exposure - or even go green after contact with chlorine. 'One hair hack I particularly love, because it shocks people that it works, is using tomato ketchup to reverse green tinges,' says Phil. 'Apply a tablespoon to lengths and wait up to 30 minutes before rinsing. The acid in the tomatoes and vinegar break down the copper build-up that causes the discolouration, restoring the blonde tones you love. If you prefer results in seconds rather than smelling like you belong in a burger for half an hour, when you get back from your sunshine break, he suggests grabbing a bottle of Phil Smith Professional Haircare Blonde Toning Shampoo (£14 each; ), which uses amino acid rich violet rice extract to have you back to your 'natural' colour in the time it takes to shampoo and rinse.' Shower before the pool to protect against chlorine There's nothing better than diving into a cool pool on a hot day, but chlorinated water can leave hair dry, brittle and weak. The good news? A little prep goes a long way. 'Our hair is porous, but it can only absorb so much water at once,' says Phil. 'If you want to limit how much chlorine your hair soaks up, wet your hair with fresh water before swimming. "Take a quick shower or, if you're at the beach, keep a refillable bottle of tap water handy so you can rinse before taking the plunge.' Phil also advises against swimming with your hair down. 'I always tell my clients to apply a leave-in conditioner and then tie hair up in a bun to shield it,' he says. Use the right towel on damp locks Wet hair is much weaker and more prone to breakage than dry strands, so how you care for it after a swim is just as crucial as before. 'Keep a soft microfibre towel like the Dock & Bay Hair Wrap (£15; in your beach bag so you aren't tempted to rough dry with an abrasive beach towel, which will damage the cuticle and leave you with a halo of frizz,' says Phil. If you want to comb out knots post-swim, he advises buying a wet brush. 'The MDLondon Vent Brush (£13; is perfect,' says Phil. 'Start detangling from the ends and work upwards to avoid breakage and minimise discomfort. Add a pump of Phil Smith Professional Haircare Miracle Primer (£14; at the same time, with hyaluronic acid to fight humidity-induced frizz and plant-based hemisqualane to smooth and detangle. Get your roots done once you've returned home Everyone wants their hair to look amazing in their holiday photos, but if your sunshine getaway happens to fall around the time you're due to see your colourist, it might be worth delaying that appointment. 'UV rays break down dye pigment molecules, so when you're on a sun-soaked holiday it's almost impossible to avoid fading and dullness - unless you spend the entire trip under a giant hat,' says Phil. 'While no one wants to skip a root touch-up to cover greys, if you can, I recommend stretching the time between appointments and scheduling your session for after you return home. Getting your hair professionally coloured is an investment - this way, your colour stays fresher for longer and you avoid paying for salon results that can't last.'
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Lizzo flaunts her shrinking figure in activewear... after poking fun at Sydney Sweeney controversy
Lizzo showcased the results of her stunning weight loss on Instagram on Friday to share an announcement about her loungewear range Yitty. The 37-year-old rapper and singer — who recently referenced Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle campaign — appeared in a brief reel as she modeled mint-green biker shorts and a white zip-up track jacket. She was cheerful and bubbly as she told her nearly 12 million followers to 'get into this Yitty activewear!' 'If you want Yitty activewear, you can now get it at Walmart!' she added. She then declared, 'Yitty Active is everywhere!' The About Damn Time hitmaker sported a waist-length platinum-blond wig in the clip, and she looked beautiful in a full face of glamorous makeup. Lizzo was also wearing her unmissable diamond-encrusted Yitty chain and pendant. She recorded the short advert outside of a sprawling mansion, collecting thousands of likes. One day earlier the musician was also active on the social media app as she wore a two-piece gray set from her shapewear brand while snapping a mirror selfie in a luxe bathroom. Lizzo co-created the intimates line in partnership with Fabletics in April 2022. Earlier this week, the singer–songwriter name-dropped actress Sydney Sweeney, 27, in the lyrics of an unreleased rap song. She teased the track in a provocative video snippet in which she wore a denim jacket and matching shorts. It came on the heels of the Euphoria star's controversial American Eagle ad, which featured the slogan 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.' The campaign, which detractors accused of being inspired by eugenics, has come under fire for its perceived racial undertone. Earlier this week, the singer-songwriter name-dropped actress Sydney Sweeney, 27, in the lyrics of an unreleased rap song. It came on the heels of the Euphoria star's controversial American Eagle ad with the slogan 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans' One of multiple short-form pieces of content shared by Sydney and the clothing brand shows the blonde siren working on a car while dressed in a white tank top and jeans. Meanwhile, Lizzo's video outtake showed her washing and peering under the hood of a red sports car. She rapped in one line of the unreleased hip-hop track, 'Fat a**, pretty face with the t*tties. B*tch, I got good jeans like I'm Sydney.' The post was captioned, 'IM GOIN IN TILL OCTOBER.'
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The Block star shocks followers as she strips naked in very racy clip
A former Block star left her followers wide-eyed after she uploaded a very raunchy clip to her social media this week. Kylie Baker, 37, shared the footage to Instagram on Friday night as she flaunted her naked figure in a barely-there fishnet outfit. The risqué ensemble left little to the imagination, with her modesty only covered by thin, criss-crossing threads connected by a series of perfectly round cut-outs. The daring design flashed plenty of skin as it clung to her frame, creating a peek-a-boo effect which shocked followers. 'Take me to hell. I'm going to start again. #takemetohell #poison #L1e #LuckyLuke #fnq #weekend,' Kylie captioned the clip. It comes after Kylie all but confirmed she was back together with her husband Brad Baker. Kylie, who walked out on The Block and her partner in 2024 after his flirting scandal was exposed on-air, posted a steamy picture to Instagram featuring a telling detail. 'I've noticed you around #night #naughty #mummy #uptonogood,' she captioned the sultry snap, which showed her wearing a floral-motif lace top. However, it was the person in the background, whose face was shielded by Kylie's hand, who prompted fans to speculate Brad was back in her life. 'Get out of the way. Show us the good looking roosters behind ya @_bradleybaker_ ,' one person wrote in the comments section. In the final weeks of The Block, fans watched on as Kylie and Brad's seven-year marriage imploded on-air in what came to be known as the 'flirtgate scandal '. During the show, the Cairns-based tradesman told fellow Blockhead Mimi Belperio he would 'follow' her adult subscription account if she had one. On overhearing the remark, Kylie stormed off to her room, and chaos ensued backstage. Kylie quit production and flew home to Cairns to be with her four kids, who she shares with Brad, leaving a giant question mark on the show's finale. At the time, Brad said he believed his marriage was 'done' and that he had 'single-handedly destroyed my family' with his actions after Kylie suddenly abandoned the series. However, the couple later returned for the auction of their Block build and rekindled their relationship, before sparking rumours of a separation yet again. Since the show's conclusion, fans have been speculating as to whether the couple have got back together or not, with various posts and comments alluding to the possibility they might have. Mimi, whose husband Kristian was also a contestant on the show, later revealed she thought the incident was blown out of proportion, according to Pedestrian TV.
