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With a population of approximately 47 million, India's National Capital Region spreads way beyond the New Delhi municipal borders, to include parts of the surrounding states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. In order to contain the sprawl and enhance the quality of life for those living within this densely populated region, Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut has conceived a vertical, ecological and, most importantly, self-sustaining community known as Hyperions.
Set to rise in the city of Greater Noida, located a few kilometres southeast of New Delhi, Hyperions might one day become home to several thousand residents scattered across six 36-storey towers featuring a mix of 1000 residential units, offices, restaurants, and urban farms. At 128 metres in height, the buildings' foundations and cores would be made of concrete and steel, while the superstructures forming the floor plates and wall would consist or solid wood reinforced with steel.
This architectural choice is primarily a result of the area's seismic activity, which requires each edifice to use strong but flexible construction materials. Additionally, laminated timber allows for a better environmental performance in terms of CO2 emissions, but also benefits the local lumber industry from the nearby Delhi Forest. The south-facing portions of the undulating towers' facades will be covered in solar panels to provide the community with enough energy to function.
Divided into three blocks, each building will be connected by skybridges. This will not only allow residents to easily access each section of the community, it will also create large platforms punctuated with urban farms for anything from dairy products and eggs to crops of grains, fruits, and vegetables. The compound will be irrigated by collecting rainwater and resident grey water. Circulating in a closed loop, this system will eventually help to eliminate up to 90% of the water needs throughout the year.
The mini but balanced ecosystem will be kept alive without the use of fossil fuels or chemicals. Animal and agricultural debris will be used for the production of methane, which will subsequently be used to generate energy and manage climate in the different spaces within the development. The mix of vegetation was conceived to attract and create a diversified fauna, such as insects and earthworms which will respectively pollinate flowers and re-oxygenate the soil.
Finally, Hyperions incorporates a strong social and cultural mix and hopes to include business incubators, labs, co-working spaces, residences, student housing, and commercial spaces such as restaurants. Amenities will also include swimming pools and concierge services. According to the Paris-based architect, the project could be completed as early as 2020, becoming the only one of its kind in the world at such a scale. Indeed, several wooden skyscraper are currently being planned or under construction in Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, and Canada.
Additional images and information on the project above can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.
