TALL AND FIRM

High-rises are built with state-of-the-art technologies that make them safer

- Molly R

According to the United Nations, the urban population will grow by about 2.5 billion people by 2050, which translates to 80 million new residents per year, 1.5 million new residents per week, or 220 thousand per day. As a result, it’s necessary to engage the vertical dimension of cities to accommodate the population influx while reducing urban sprawl.

Indeed, using high-rise buildings is not the only way to increase urban density. However, cities are embracing the tall building typology for various reasons, including land prices, demographic change, globalisation, urban regeneration, agglomeration, land preservation, infrastructure, transportation, international finance, and air rights, among others. There has been an unprecedented, accelerated pace in the construction of significant high-rises in the last 20 years or so.

Prashin Jhobalia, VP, marketing strategy, House of Hiranandani, says, “Highrises are an effective solution for metro cities such as Mumbai, where space is limited. A holistic approach while designing high-rises can curtail many challenges which we fear may hamper the social fabric and health of a city. Presence of amenities and spaces that foster community development is the key in development of holistic spaces. It makes them socially active, improves physical and mental well-being. Socially active groups may also include celebrations of festivals and special occasion, thus promoting the social fabric of the city.”