Brooklyn studio AE Superlab has unveiled an ambitious proposal to build a new thrill ride atop NYC's Pennsylvania Station. Featuring 11 gondolas that free-fall toward the ground at a rate of over 100 mph (160 km/h), the ride would rise to three times the height of the London Eye and offer fantastic views of the area.
Commissioned by Brooklyn Capital Partners and designed in collaboration with engineering firm Arup, Halo would be installed either on the roof of Penn Station or possibly atop the nearby Farley building.
Described as the tallest and fastest ride of its kind in the world by AE Superlab, Halo would rise to a height of 1,200 ft (360 m), measure 460 ft (140 m) in diameter, and comprise 17,000 tons of steel. The structure would also feature a transparent LED pixel screen facade that could display information like weather and environmental updates, and live sporting results. The ride's five multi-colored rings signify the five NYC boroughs.
AE Superlab reports that Halo NYC could be built within 20 months from getting the go-ahead from planning officials. According to the Telegraph, the firm also estimates it could raise up to US$38 million per year from ticket sales.
Halo was designed in response to the State of New York's request for proposals that re-imagine Penn Station as a destination to "captivate the world's interest and provide economic development." That said, we'd be surprised if this one ever left the drawing board.
Source: AE Superlab
