GIANT SLIDE OFFERS TWISTED FUN

Designed by Belgian artist Carsten Höller, this massive slide tower has been erected at the Aventura Mall shopping complex north of Miami; the artist's first permanent installation in the US.

Racing each other down the enclosed barrels, which are metal on the bottom and transparent on top, riders on this unique slide structure are treated to a thrilling ride from a dizzying height of 28m down to the ground at hair-raising speeds (for a slide).

The speed of travel often invokes shouts and screams from those descending, according to the Stockholm-based artist. "It's fitting that my last name is Höller," he claims in an interview with Dezeen.

The Aventura Slide Tower was commissioned for the expansion of the mall, which boasts a collection of contemporary art that includes works by Daniel Arsham, Louise Bourgeois and Jorge Pardo.

Also created for the project and situated next to the slide is a fountain of large cartoon-like bronze monkeys by the LA-based Haas Brothers.

The idea to enlist Höller came after mall's curators saw his slide at the Vitra Campusin in Germany. The new commission has many similar features to the Vitra installation, including the circular viewing platform at the top and clock face above, but distinctively includes two slides rather than one.

Höller states that the project took two years from conception to opening, working with a team of engineers to design and build the structure, and comply with strict US safety regulations.

Images © Leonel Diaz and Worldredeye.com