Towards Sustainable Hi- Rise Hi DensityEnvironments The Asian Paradigm

Kaustubh Das1

ABSTRACTHaving witnessed the ill effects of urban sprawl, leading theoristsand practitioners like Charles Correa (India), Richard Rogers (UK) TayKheng Soon (Singapore) advocate high-density urban environments. Whilehi density living seems a unanimous choice; opinions differ oftenradically in the case of hi rise living. Those against it like Correapropose the creation of decentralized urban nodes. However In spite ofefforts by Govt. to decentralize, in most countries opportunitiescluster around certain regions leading to sharp rises in populations.This being de rigeur hi density hi rise development becomes inevitableIn the Asian context. Due to the lack of suitable guidelines, marketforces dictate development. While this may sound pragmatic suchdevelopments are often oblivious to social concerns. At the buildinglevel exemplary work has been undertaken by architects like Ken Yeangto create quality hi rise living environments. Studies have also beenundertaken at the scale of planning and housing. However little hasbeen done at the scale of Urban Design which deals with issues likerelationship of the building with the immediate context. It is thisaspect which is in the scale and purview of Urban Design thatintervention is required to create a lively animated positive urbanspace at the ground level. The inability to generate a positive welldefined, suitably scaled and articulated open space at the ground ledto the failure of Modernist proposals in spite of noble goals like“Building in the Garden”. Hi rise or low rise the need for articulatedappropriate open space at ground is well recognized. The researchwould like to inquire into ways in which this can be achieved togenerate a positive urban environment.

KEYWORDSHi-Rise Hi density Living ,Asian Urbanism Urban design Guidelines, sustainability, integration.

INTRODUCTION According to The U.N. half of the global population, now at 6.5billion, will be living in urban areas by 2007. The world was 45%urban in 1995 and cities are expected to hold most of the projectedincrease in humanity for the next 25 years.1 The number of megacities(10 million or more inhabitants) in the world has climbed from 5 in1975 to 14 in 1995 and is expected to reach 26 cities by 2015. In theAsian context Relative to population, cities generate higher-than-

1 Lecturer, Department of Architecture, Siddaganga Institute ofTechnology, Tumkur 572103, INDIA.

Phone: +91 9886323177, arkaid_2000@yahoo.com

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average proportions of each country's output of goods and services;the Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimates that some 80 percent of newgrowth in the region has been generated in its urban economies.megacities, massive urban centers each home to 10 million or morepeople.2 Globalization and International trade brings aboutopportunities. Due to factors like geography and economic policies/Incentives they tend cling around certain regions with some majorMegacities as their focii. Migration being inevitable, the provisionof accomodating the ever-swelling population becomes key issue facingplanners. The Negative effects of Urban sprawl with its overdependenceon Pvt. transport and encroachment of natural habitats andagricultural lands is only too well realized. Thus the problemultimately boils down to housing the population and facilities inlimited space of land in a conducive manner. Vertical expansionbecomes not merely for showcasing wealth but a contextual option.

WHY HI –RISE?

PopulationIn 1995, Asia had nine of the world's megacities. By 2025, it willhave 11 more. According to ADB Asia’s future economic growth andprosperity and the fight against poverty are directly linked to itsability to address the complex pressures and problems facing citiesacross Asia. Cities are, in many ways, engines of economic growth andsocial progress.3 However, without adequate efforts in urbandevelopment, the productivity and competitiveness of Asia's cities inthe world economy may wane over time. Unchecked Laissez fairedevelopment which sadly is the case in many developing Asian citiesencourages Urban sprawl eating into ecosensitive and Agriculturallands creating environmental degradation as seen in the case ofCalcutta and Bangkok. It also promotes greater dependence on privatevehicles leading to increased pollution and traffic congestion. Thisbeing unacceptable, a sustainable model must be evolved to address therelevant issues. Opportunities for livelihood being the primary factor for humanhabitation, it is a common phenomenon in most Asian nations for peopleto cling around to certain urban regions in spite of difficultconditions of habitat. E.g. like Bombay ,Bangkok or Jakarta testify tothis. In spite of efforts by Govt. opportunities tend to cling on tocertain regions encouraging migration. The problem thus boils down toone of providing affordable and quality habitat in limited area ofland with adequate open space to ensure a sustainable and eco-sensitive environment. Thus High density Hi rise development is

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inevitable. Interestingly even in nations like UK and Sweden whichhave a decreasing population such development is being encouraged tocreate pedestrian friendly city centers and affordable housing.

TechnologyHi rise bldgs of the modern period were the villains of real estateforces since they occupying prime land, wasting energy and breedingcrime by creating negative spaces. Environmental concerns being amajor agenda in contemporary development procedures, such energyguzzling structures are no doubt unacceptable. However recent effortsby architects like Ken Yeang, Norman Foster have demonstrated thepossibility of ecologically sensitive Towers . Technology is used not only assuaging their ill effects to theenvironment but have also thrown up feasible means to utilizeunconventional spaces earlier deemed unfit for human habitation. ForE.g. In London rooftops of stations are being contemplated forproviding inexpensive quality accommodation for younger particularlysingle people. This provides a unique opportunity of providingaffordable shelter in prime locations creating a spontaneous mixed-usecommunity eradicating the crime in downtown after office hours.Additionally living near prime location encourages lesser dependence

1REFERENCESAlSayyad Nezar, Consuming Tradition Manufacturing Heritage, RoutledgeSaid Edward, Orientalism Penguin IndiaKostof Spiro. City Shaped: Thames and Hudson London. Kostof Spiro City Assembled Thames and Hudson LondonJonathan Barnett—Urban Design as Public PolicyTrancik Roger, Finding Lost Space, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York Design for High Intensity Development—Proceedings of International conference on Urban Design organized by Malaysian Institute of Architects and the Aga khan Program fro Islamic Architecture at Harvard Univ. and MITCompact CitiesSpace and the Architect 010 Publishers Rotterdam 2000Cities in a Globalizing World—Global Report on human Setlements 2001----United Nations Centre f or Human Settlements

NOTES

? UNFPA2 http://www.kas.de/upload/dokumente/megacities/EnablingUrbanization01.html3 http://www.kas.de/upload/dokumente/megacities/EnablingUrbanization01.htm

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on transport making city centres pedestrian friendly and pollutionfree —qualities of a positive urbanism. Such inventive schemes areextremely relevant in developing Asian cities like Tokyo and Bombaywhich have some of the highest population densities with equallyprohibitive real estate values in the world. Cities like Calcutta orBangkok, which have some of the lowest road surface with highesttraffic congestion, can benefit by way of decreased traffic andpollution due to decreased commuting distances.

AcceptanceSkeptics often argue the success of hi rise development as being onlyrelevant to commercial buildings and not applicable to housing.However the acceptance of Nemaussus (Jean Nouvel) and the recentlywon Duxton Plains in Singapore have shown the rising popularity ofsuch schemes even for housing. In cities like Tokyo, Hong Kong andbombay having the worlds highest densities apartment living is theonly option. This explains for the acceptance of radical proposalslike Soleris ' Hyper BIdg" and Takenaka corporations SkyCity 1000concept in Japan . Even in Calcutta regarded as conservative tobuilding trends popularity of apartments is increasing fast as peoplerealize the benefits of easier maintenance and security. Le Corbusiers Unite D 'Habitation in Marseilles Initially attacked as a ’Madhouse” is today one of the premier residential addresses in town.While the older generation is less receptive and excited about suchforms in a world with an increasing pop of young it makes sense toinvest in such growth with view towards provision of a better publicrealm. In the paper written by Prof. K.M Grace Wong of Dept. RealEstate NUS best exemplifies the point. According to a survey conductedwith prospective buyers the floors between 20-30 storeys were foundthe most popular with buyers in Singapore. This has thrown valuablelight on the feasibility of schemes and explains the acceptability ofrevolutionary schemes like the Duxton Plains.4

HI RISE DEVELOPMENT — A HISTORIC PERSPECTIVE Cynics often opine that the renewed interest in skyscrapers is nothingnew but a passing fad somewhat like the revival of trends in fashion.The concept of vertical expansion is indeed anything but new; andcontrary to popular opinion existed even before the IndustrialRevolution. Technological advancements esp. invention of elevators andRCC only made it more feasible to modernists like Louis Sullivan andLe Corbusier who had proposed such concepts almost a century back. Itwas an over optimism with Technology ---- seen as panacea for allsocial problems that sociocultural concerns were overlooked if notignored. Be it theoretical schemes like La Ville Radiuese /La VilleContemporaine or realized cities like Chandigarh of Corbusier or

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Brasilia by Costa and Niemeyer we see a megalomaniac vision of a citywhere public is reduced to only using motorcars with the pedestrian aforgotten entity. A fig-ground diagram of such a scheme vis-à-vis atraditional built to edge fabric demonstrates the stark contrastbetween the two. While the former shows a loose amorphous grain; thelatter showed a contiguous fabric in which the facades acted as wallsof urban space.One may be tempted to revert to reinstatement of a Nolli's Map stylefabric. Such solutions are no doubt oversimplistic and end up becomingan assemblage of kitsch often for the elite. Although successful inits heyday; such revivalist efforts by the postmodernists like DuanyPlater Zyberks “New Urbanism” created artificial settlements whichbecame more exclusive and meticulously picture perfect than theiroriginal forefathers whom they sought to reinstate. Althoughcommercially successful, such elitist enclaves in reality lacked thevitality and mix which constituted the charm of such original towns.Scales often became awkward when confronted to the accommodation ofcontemporary needs esp. that of motor vehicles. Therefore going backto the past for models of development is inappropriate since theycannot address the current issues of physical urban development.

Figure 1: Megalomaniac proposal by radicals like Le Corbusier showinga lack of concern for the pedestrians .

CONTEMPORARY APPROACH------TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE URBANISMWe are positioned in a unique standpoint in time where we can lookback to the follies of the modernist masters. We have also witnessedthe failure of Postmodernist Revivalist Style urbanism. This brings tothe most critical point- - having known the defects of such schemeshow if at all is the current trend different? That is exactly what thestudy aims at developing. Detailed analyses of Modernist schemes of‘Town Planning’ (as Urban Development was called in those days) revealnegligence if not a total disregard for the Socio-cultural needs withan overrated belief in the potential of technology. This overenthusiastic use of technology, which neglected the pedestrian, wasconceived in a gargantuan scale without of any relation to the humandimension. Although noble in its ideals of" Building in a garden' the'gardens' which were actually undefined leftover spaces became sources

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of social malaise. The research aims at providing such spaces not indictated by hygiene alone but also kinesthetic potentials of the same.The study thus attempts to create guidelines to generate well-articulated spaces between blocks that are to human scale andsensitive to other socio-cultural needs. Sustainability being themotto of contemporary Development; Environmental concern like controlof microclimate as well as market forces of Real Estate must be givendue thought.Thus the criteria for design of the in-between spaces canbe categorized as:

Physical Temporal Ecological Cultural Financial

Figure 2: Early forays into Hi Rise Housing by Henri Sauvage (Maisonsa Gradins1908).The inner belly which was difficult to define can be

used effectively for parking.

Physical Form—The Grain Studies of the grain of Modernist cities reveal the lack of acoherent fabric compared to urban settlements prior to it. Howeversuitable it may have been in its day It is all to simplistic tosuggest a reversal towards a built to edge fabric. While perimeterblocks guarantees spatial coherence but indiscriminate use of such atypology is not advisable since they can be sources of social malaisetoo. For e.g. in Bombay and Calcutta which have distinctly Colonialfabric the internal courts have been observed become dens ofantisocial activities. The solution thus is not so simple but callsfor deeper cognizance of contextual issues. The guidelines should aim at relating a building sympathetically tothe street context and not sit in absolute oblivion. Perimeter blocksor stand alone blocks the problem is to create an articulate spacesensitive to human dimensions. Blocks need not necessarily bemonolithic forms but can have indented or cluster profiles. While

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these may have had pitfalls they have demonstrated ways in which toassuage the feeling of bulk and provide adequate light and ventilationto its users. Henri Sauvage’s Maisons a Gradins made in 1908 iscuriously more relevant today. The internal “belly” for which he couldnot suggest a very appropriate use can be used for parking cars whilethe stepped profile provides open terraces for its inhabitants. Moshe Safdie’s Habitat 67 is another model. Built in a cluster form iteliminates the feeling of a monotonous bulk and creating intimatecourtyards and semi open spaces conducive for interaction and communalactivities. Terraces at various levels add interest giving adequatescope for personalization a feature much regretted in typicalapartment blocks.

Figure 3: Moshe Safdie’s Habitat 67 a possible model

Temporal Program –the Activities and the EdgeUrbanism is the reciprocal relationship between citizens and theirenvironment thus the edge that acts as a receptacle for this activityplayas key role in generating an urban character. Urban Design startswhen the building meets the ground space. This becomes endowed with asense of place with appropriate activities. While a sensitivelydesigned physical envelope provides a setting, a suitable activity mixis essential to animate the space to achieve the desired vitality inthe urban environment. With commercial establishments and otherrelated functions like Doctors clinic and cyber cafes being keyingredients in todays life such activities must be properly integratedwith the building program. Shophouse traditions being almost universalin most Asian cultures Neighborhood stores are an essential feature.In this connection one must also take into account the role ofInformal commerce that is a distinct part of Asian Urbanism. As per“The informal sector is term used to capture both profitable small andmedium size enterprises that operate without formal recognition byand/or obligation to the government and the economic activities ofdestitute populations who can be seen selling their wares on thestreets of most developing countries. Both type of informal sectoractivity are extremely important to most developing countries as theyact as both an economic safety net for the poor.”5 Thus by virtue of arelevant activity program one can actually guard against possible

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vandalism while enjoying the convenience of daily needs within closereach. This cuts down on trips using transportation. Transportationinfrastructure like Bus stops etc. must be suitable integrated forefficient commuting esp. from workplace to reduce unnecessarydependence on private transport. Time being short is todays fast pacedlife, Equal care must be taken in evolving of a suitable programintegrating various modes of commuting from doorstep to PublicTransport systems like MRTS.

Figure 4: A revolutionary proposal by Tay Kheng Soon showing well-articulated In-Between space with sensitivity to ecological concerns

Ecological—The control of MicroclimateIn an age of green issues it is imperative that the built formcontribute positively towards the natural environment. Most Asiannations being tropical one can take advantage of the fast growing andluxuriant tropical vegetation making use of all terraces to createcontinuous Urban Greenery as proposed by acclaimed Malaysian ArchitectKenneth Yeang. This he envisages “ would help soak up Green housegases, and generally raise human spirits complementing the role ofmore conventional parks and gardens”.6 On a similar vein ArchitectTay Kheng Soon of Singapore in his project for “The Intelligenttropical City” attempted at “replicating the Tropical Forestcondition”. Plant Nets between the towers would serve to shade spacesbelow while solar and rainwater collector systems would act in tandemto provide a cool shaded space –a welcome relief from the hot weatheroutside.7 Although some of these ideas have been felt to be too radicalto be realized it is perhaps only a matter of time in todays fastpaced world, of such concepts being manifested. Even if unrealized

5 http://www.makingcitieswork.org/urbanThemes/economic_growth/local_econ_dev#informal6 Chris Abel---- Tradition and Modernity7 Chris Abel---- Tradition and Modernity

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they offer generic models for further development and implementationthat are extremely sustainable.

Figure 3: Internal space in Hakka Houses China

Cultural—Creating a sense of contextual IdentityContext is an extremely loaded term in Urban Design. While commonlyimplied to physical space it also deals with emotional factors. Wehave witnessed the failure of grand Modernist schemes due to theirobliviousness to sociocultural needs. The more globalized we becomethe more we strive to assert our identity. Culture being the staplefood for this desire it is imperative to give due concern to suchnuances while designing. While replicating traditional models is notpractical and workable one can learn a lot from their usage of space.Territorial concerns in shared spaces are an interesting phenomenon inAsian cultures. For e.g. In the street between houses in Nias Islandnear Sumatra Indonesia there are definite methodology of sharing ofspace and the rights of occupants and outsiders. Equally interestingis the hierarchy of courtyards in the Traditional ‘Pols’ of Gujarat,India. The introverted forms of the Hakka houses in China exhibit aninteresting pattern of co sharing. Arguably many such attitudes often do not persist in the urban realmof today. But if used or reinterpreted can offer much more contextualsolutions for typical problems which are unique to the culturalcontext. Cultural attitudes being second nature to humans impositionof alien models however well intentioned is an utter disregard ofsocio-cultural milieu. Common spaces serve as platforms forcelebration of communal and festive activities that have immensediversity with very specific demands on spatial dimensions. Thussensitivity to such specific requirements in the design of open spacesbetween structures is imminent to achieve a relevant design solutionin direct relation to emotional needs so the occupants. Relevantschemes being better received by the public have been found to be moresustainable and better maintained.

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Figure 3: Shophouses & 5 foot way In China Town Singapore

Financial—the case of Implementation A scholarly study in urban design aims at ameliorating existingconditions in the built environment. Arguably to drive onesvision forward successful demonstration is crucial to concepts beingapplied in real life. While like a laboratory academia grants freedomto experiment--- models too radical often remain only on paper. Evenif generic models they should totally overlook or overrun hard factorsof implementation like policies, funds and other legal aspects. Whileobsession with Practical Concerns can create ruts of mediocrity aconscious inventive effort-giving due regard for implementationprocedures guarantees a lasting presence. By demonstrating concepts inreal life it can even aid further research by providing a platform forscholarly observation and introspection.Sadly In many of the developing Asian nations quality is oftenregarded as running counter to commercial and legal interests. Lack ofawareness and discernment on way of public of nuances of qualitydesign often goes against innovative schemes getting crushed undershort-term monetary gains. One of the best ways awareness can beincreased is by active demonstration of concepts highlighting theirvalue. This in turn creates a public demand for quality environment.Translating as monetary gains the developer is compelled to providequality living/working environments to his customers--- eventuallyresulting in improvement of urban environment. Therefore in order toimplement mere good design is not enough ---- a clear strategyoutlining the steps/procedures towards implementation is equallyimportant. Even in New York the efforts of Jonathan Barnett waspossible due to his meticulously understanding of the nuances ofimplementation.8

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CONCLUSION: Barring few buildings like Petronas Towers which act as totemsof wealth, most hi rise development happens as function of Realestate pressure and density. Density in most Asian cities being onsteep rise undoubtedly calls for hi rise development. Even critics ofhi rise like Charles Correa advocate a tight fabric at ground levelwhile providing for conditions of hygiene and serviceability. Space isdefined as something that is contained within. In the historic pastthe urban edge formed by bldg. facades contained this space. Themodernist concept of Garden city inverted this relationship leading toa dilution of the contiguity of urban space and with its dissolution;Urban Spatiality was all but lost. The lack of a defined open spacewas the major problem in modernist proposals. Thus future attempt musttake this as premium when evolving solutions for the same. Thus thetask ahead for urban designers is to reestablish this spatiality.Sentimental fads apart Revivalism is no solution neither is the brashinsensitive attitude of the modernists. Since we have learnt valuablelessons from the past esp. last century it is imperative on our partto build sensitively towards creating a harmonious environment givingdue concerns to sustainability.

8 Jonathan Barnett—Urban Design as Public Policy

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