Blue-Sky Thinking
GQ South Africa|May 2019

Haven’t you heard? Our cities are full, bulging, engorged… and yet demand for luxury homes is ballooning. No wonder, then, that enterprising architects are throwing up ultra-skinny residential skyscrapers around the world. NYC is leading the size-zero revolution with a cluster on the south side of Central Park known as Billionaires’ Row. Here, we tour some of the skyline’s slimmest ‘super-slenders’ and ask: are they pillars of the community or pinnacles of post-crash inequality?

Charlie Burton
Blue-Sky Thinking

OF ALL THE ARCHITECTURAL FORMS THAT TOOK WING DURING THE 20TH CENTURY, the skyscraper, in particular, invites metaphorical readings. What exactly it means, however, has always been up for grabs. Are these almighty structures emblems of hope and accomplishment or are they Babel-like images of capitalist hubris? As the world turns, so too do the resonances. During the feminist revolution, the skyscraper looked unapologetically phallic; after 9/11, it looked helplessly vulnerable. And, recently, the symbolism has shifted again – this time not due to changing times, but changing style.

The super-skinny skyscraper was born a decade ago in New York City, the spiritual home of the high-rise, where this burgeoning architectural subgenre came to be defined by a base-to-height ratio of at least 1:10. Many, however, are much slimmer than that. Take the Steinway Tower. When it’s completed this year, it’ll be the world’s skinniest skyscraper, with a ratio of 1:24 (for comparison, the World Trade Center North Tower was 1:7).

At a time when luxury housing is in demand, but space is at a premium, architects are grabbing small plots that might be too modest for large corporations but adequate for private individuals, and maximizing their value by building them up as far as possible. New York’s planning regulations prohibit building above certain heights in certain areas, to ensure that Manhattan doesn’t become a cyberpunk sprawl of densely packed superstructures. But thanks to a quirk of the NY legal system, if an architect chooses not to max out the height limit on a building, neighboring developers can buy the unused ‘air rights’ and add them to their own structure – and the people behind the new super-skinnies have done just that.

Denne historien er fra May 2019-utgaven av GQ South Africa.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra May 2019-utgaven av GQ South Africa.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA GQ SOUTH AFRICASe alt
I am Legend
GQ South Africa

I am Legend

For 40 years, Toyota has produced an iconic 4x4. In 2024 it's received a subtle, rejuvenating facelift - and more. The Land Cruiser 76 is made for Africa.

time-read
1 min  |
August 2024
Alternative Investments
GQ South Africa

Alternative Investments

We take a look at how alternative investments offer a diverse range of opportunities beyond the traditional, with a particular focus on venture capital

time-read
7 mins  |
August 2024
THE HEART OF A CHAMPION
GQ South Africa

THE HEART OF A CHAMPION

AYABONGA KHAKA IS A RIGHT-ARM medium bowler for South Africa's national cricket team, and earned a national contract with Cricket South Africa in 2018.

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2024
THE DEFENDER OF HOUSE
GQ South Africa

THE DEFENDER OF HOUSE

From his debut album Golden Power to the recent hit \"Yes God\", Oscar Mbo is still the king of deep house music. Apart from consistently energising groovists with his beats, he also stands out as the country's most stylish DJ - and a savvy businessman

time-read
10+ mins  |
August 2024
GOLDEN BOY
GQ South Africa

GOLDEN BOY

With top-charting hits such as \"Adiwele\", \"Sete\" and \"Imithandazo\", Young Stunna is the face of amapiano, and a rising icon. In a remarkably short time, he's carved out his path in the music industry and stands poised to conquer the world

time-read
10 mins  |
August 2024
Fierce, Fearless and Flourishing
GQ South Africa

Fierce, Fearless and Flourishing

THESE FIVE REMARKABLE WOMEN LEADING WITH COURAGE, DETERMINATION, AND LIMITLESS AMBITION ARE REDEFINING SUCCESS IN THEIR OWN TERMS

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
DAMIAN WILLEMSE HUMBLE STAR OF SA RUGBY
GQ South Africa

DAMIAN WILLEMSE HUMBLE STAR OF SA RUGBY

He's renowned for his skill and versatility - but the legacy of Damian Willemse is built on inspiring others, both on and off the field

time-read
9 mins  |
August 2024
The Visionary Curator: Jana Terblanche's Journey in the Art World
GQ South Africa

The Visionary Curator: Jana Terblanche's Journey in the Art World

Poetic and political this ambitious yet principled art curator challenges the traditional and champions African voices

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
Non-invasive Cosmetic Treatments Guide
GQ South Africa

Non-invasive Cosmetic Treatments Guide

From advanced laser therapies to cutting-edge injectables, these innovative procedures offer effective solutions for smoothing wrinkles, enhancing skin tone, and contouring the body

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
Lelowhatsgood The Maverick DJ Disrupting Africa's Cultural Landscape
GQ South Africa

Lelowhatsgood The Maverick DJ Disrupting Africa's Cultural Landscape

“Demon’s Kiss” put him on the map but there’s more to this Renaissance man than just hit singles.

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024