As our cities grow vertically, high-rise buildings have become the quintessential feature of urban landscapes worldwide. This surge is primarily a response to the pressing need to accommodate the ever-expanding urban population. However, with this rise comes responsibility – the need to develop architecturally stunning, environmentally sustainable and people-centric high-rises.
Vertical urbanisation and sustainability
Urban density is a double-edged sword. While it fosters economic growth and cultural vibrancy, it challenges us to rethink our urban infrastructure. The answer lies in responsible high-rise development that integrates sustainable design principles. Design solutions have emerged as the linchpin of transformation, encapsulating aesthetics, functionality, sustainability and liveability. For instance, The Waverock Building in Hyderabad, a LEED Gold-certified structure, has seamlessly merged with its surroundings, serving as a testament to sustainable innovation. Vertical gardens, rainwater harvesting and rooftop solar panels reduce the building’s ecological footprint and elevate the city’s air quality and visual allure. These design choices underscore the transformative power of responsible high-rise development, illustrating a possible sustainable and vibrant urban future.
Efficient space utilisation
One of the most formidable challenges of responsible high-rise development is optimising space while ensuring comfort and functionality within compact living areas. Architects specialising in high-rises are pioneering a new era by integrating design and technology to address this challenge. The issue of limited space is tackled with flexible floor plans, creating multi-use areas and implementing intelligent storage solutions. These design elements synergise form and function, ensuring a harmonious blend of efficiency and comfort in urban abodes.
One Avighna Park in Mumbai is an excellent illustration of this strategy due to its considerate use of every available space. Residents have the freedom to create unique environments, making the most of available square footage while improving their quality of life by integrating cutting-edge design and technological advancements. People in high-rises rely on various forms of technology. Energy-efficient appliances, internet access and smart home automation systems are no longer luxuries but requirements. They improve the quality of life and help the environment by reducing energy needs. The World One Tower in Mumbai is an example of seamless technological development. The residents can adjust the temperature, lights and security with their smartphones.
Addressing the necessity of robust design is crucial in responsible high-rise buildings. High-rises must be meticulously crafted to withstand the unpredictable forces of nature, ensuring the safety and well-being of their inhabitants. Responsible architecture incorporates the understanding that resilient design extends beyond earthquake-resistant structures and adaptive façade systems. It integrates advanced technology into the structural blueprint. For example, Raheja Revanta in Gurugram incorporates cutting-edge engineering, ensuring it can withstand seismic activity and prevail against extreme weather events. In an era of climate uncertainty, these forward-looking design considerations are paramount. They exemplify how responsible high-rises embody design and technology synergy, promising an enhanced living experience.
Energy efficiency and conservation
The quest for energy efficiency and conservation assumes a central role in responsible high-rise development. The imperative to reduce energy consumption resonates as an environmental concern and a vital financial consideration. Responsible high-rise architects spearhead this charge
by harnessing strategies like efficient HVAC systems, natural lighting optimisation and energy simulations. A prime illustration of this synergy can be witnessed in Avighna Park, Mumbai where energy-efficient HVAC systems harmonise with design elements that maximise natural light penetration. This leads to substantial energy savings, reduced carbon emissions and sustainable living, which benefits the environment and the residents.
Wellness and biophilic design
Well-being and biophilic design have become central to responsible high-rise buildings. In vertical living, well-being is essential and biophilic design, which incorporates nature into urban high-rises, is gaining recognition. It encompasses the integration of natural elements and the creation of spaces that nurture the mind and body.
One Avighna Park and World One Tower in Mumbai prioritise the holistic wellness of their residents through design features, such as abundant natural lighting, sweeping natural views and lush indoor greenery. These elements enhance physical and mental health and infuse a captivating aesthetic appeal into the buildings. Responsible high-rises redefine urban living as a harmonious and enriching experience in this synergy of design, technology and well-being.
Responsible high-rise development is a necessity for the urban future. Integrating sustainable design, efficient space utilisation, technology, resilience, energy conservation and well-being are vital to creating high-rises that enhance our cities and the lives of their inhabitants.
(The author is Director – APICES Studio)
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
