VIEWS OF THE SKY

High-rises are high maintenance and offer some unique amenities. But there are advantages

- MOLLY R

Mumbai, with a commanding 77% share of tall buildings in India, is poised to maintain its position as the frontrunner in tall building construction due to its ability to command premium prices compared to other cities, thereby ensuring the economic viability of such developments within the city. However, high-rises are now extremely common in other metros and in Tier-2 cities as well what with land scarcity increasing.

This feature will explore some of the unique amenities that are being provided in high-rises as well as the maintenance costs that come with it.

Unlike a horizontal development a high rise creates a vertical community. Unique amenities promote smoothness of social interactions such as recreational amenities like pool, gymnasium, banqueting, and sports at multiple levels provide for lifestyle needs. These amenities have to be worked be multi-layered so that the access can be worked out well. In a high-rise building maintaining security and privacy is imperative, therefore manned security could be deployed at the development entry, parking, tower lobby, etc."

Others are also of the opinion that the service movement for support staff also needs to be worked out so as to ensure there is no invasion of privacy. More importantly, today, good views are something that needs to be planned well.