India stands at a pivotal moment in its urban evolution, facing a projected urbanisation rate of 68% by 2050 according to the United Nations. By 2030, the urban population is set to exceed 600 million, highlighting the urgency to address both urban density and sprawl. The country’s response has shifted focus from horizontal expansion to vertical growth, redefining urban development in metropolitan areas.
The journey into vertical living began with India’s first skyscraper in 1961, but it truly gained traction in the 2000s amid economic growth and liberalisation. This era advanced construction technologies, allowing buildings to rise tall amidst increasing urbanisation. A significant factor propelling this vertical surge is the looming increase in urban dwellers, paralleled by an accumulation of wealth among the population.
Vertical growth yields notable economic advantages. Research indicates that densely populated regions can provide essential services like water and sanitation at 30-50% lower costs than sparsely populated areas. Such efficacious services promise significant savings in public infrastructure, suggesting a move away from the inefficiencies of urban sprawl.
Urban sprawl complicates the landscape, influenced by diverse factors including rising incomes and geographical barriers. Mitu Mathur, Director of GPM Architects and Planners, notes the myriad forces influencing this phenomenon, shedding light on its complex nature that intertwines demographic, economic, and technological elements.
The Netaji Nagar and Sarojini Nagar redevelopment, executed by Mathur’s firm, illustrates the economic potential of vertical projects. By maximising density through high-rise constructions while narrowing ground coverage, these initiatives not only accommodate more residents but also enhance green spaces, showcasing a blueprint for urban regeneration.
Investors find vertical developments appealing due to their financial potential. The CBRE’s 2023 report reveals that “Tall buildings are not just popular among occupiers alone but investors may also look at them as high-net return properties.” Such investments promise resilience by mitigating risks associated with fluctuating property markets through diversified rental income.
The case for vertical growth is strong, positioning it as an optimal solution for India’s densely populated cities. If executed strategically, elevated density could enhance land value and streamline the delivery of urban services, making a robust case for the vertical expansion of urban spaces.
However, transitioning from traditional horizontal living to high-rises poses cultural challenges. Many individuals have deep-seated bonds to ground-level housing, emphasising the need for sensitive development strategies. As Mathur acknowledges, the need for thoughtful design is paramount when addressing privacy, noise, and community dynamics, especially in areas where cultural resistance is strong.
Yet, positive design frameworks can alleviate these concerns, as tall buildings typically offer improved standards of amenities compared to other properties. Well-situated high-rises in prime locations can also lure residents by enhancing their lifestyle while addressing cultural hesitations.
Successful implementations like those in Netaji Nagar and Sarojini Nagar reflect more than mere architectural merit; they serve as catalysts for social change. Mathur argues for leveraging development to create safer, walkable neighbourhoods while providing state-of-the-art facilities to residents.
Historically, India’s liberalisation set the stage for sustainable growth, propelled by comprehensive reforms in the 1990s that enabled technological innovations essential for modern vertical construction.
As India treads the path toward its urban future, embracing economic, spatial, and cultural dimensions will dictate the success of vertical initiatives. The compelling economic rationale for vertical growth, coupled with approaches that honour cultural dynamics, can guide communities towards adopting vertical living whilst preserving their unique identities.
India is undergoing a crucial shift in urban development, moving from horizontal sprawl to vertical growth due to rising urban populations projected to exceed 600 million by 2030. This change promises economic advantages such as reduced infrastructure costs and improved public services. However, the transition brings cultural challenges, necessitating sensitive design that respects traditional living preferences. Successful vertical developments like the Netaji Nagar and Sarojini Nagar projects showcase potential, balancing economic viability with cultural integrity in India’s evolving urban landscape.
In essence, India’s urban future hinges on effectively integrating economic, spatial, and cultural considerations into vertical development initiatives. The compelling evidence for vertical growth underscores the need for optimised land use and efficient service delivery in sprawling cities. However, fostering cultural adaptability remains crucial for these projects’ acceptance, ensuring that cities can evolve while retaining their distinctive character, ultimately redefining urban living in India.
Original Source: www.archdaily.com
