Shivakumar, who is also the Bengaluru development minister, on Tuesday discussed the project, including its financial viability and land requirement. He directed urban development department officials to identify 8-10 acres of land in the heart of Bengaluru for the proposed landmark structure.
The skydeck proposal has been designed by Austria-based design and architecture firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, which is known for constructions such as the Musee des Confluences (Lyon) in France and European Central Bank (Frankfurt) in Germany, in association with World Design Organisation (WDO) in Bengaluru. The design, according to officials from the DCM’s office, is said to have been inspired by the intricate algorithms governing the natural growth of the majestic banyan tree’s sprawling branches, hanging roots and blooming flower.
Divided into three parts – base, trunk and blossom – the 250m tall structure will provide visitors a feeling of being immersed in nature’s embrace. “While the base is anchored in the history of a place and city, the trunk signifies the journey reminiscent of the growth of the banyan tree. The top portion – blossom – will resemble a beacon inspired by a flower in bloom,” explained an official. The structure would be built by adopting energy-efficient standards. “The wing catcher at the top will rotate to face the wind direction, solar panels on the roller-coaster deck will generate energy and the algorithmic base structures will allow ample air to pass through,” the official added.
The structure, once ready, will beckon visitors with multiple entertainment and recreational facilities. The base part will have facilities such as shopping passage, restaurants, theatre and sky garden. The top portion will feature a roller-coaster station, exhibition hall, sky lobby, skydeck for panoramic view, restaurant and bar and a VIP area. The company in its presentation said, “The skywalk and the roller-coaster are a feat of engineering, suspended midair on a delicate network of tension cables extending from the tower’s core, defying gravity…”