After the tunnel road project to ease traffic woes in Bengaluru, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar is now considering to build a 250-metre tall skydeck in the city. It will be the tallest viewing tower in the country.
The proposal has been made by a Vienna-based Austrian company called Coop Himmelb(l)au, in association with World Design Organisation (WDO). The location for the proposed mega tower is yet to be identified.
Shivakumar, who is also the Bengaluru Development Minister said he has asked state officials to check the financial viability of the project as well as identify a suitable piece of eight to ten acres of land to build the viewing tower.
Officials from the DCM’s office said that the design is inspired by algorithms governing the natural growth of the majestic banyan tree’s sprawling branches, hanging roots and blooming flowers.
As per the idea, the tower will be divided into three parts – base, trunk and blossom. “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,” an official said.
The Austrian company has executed projects in Europe, USA, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and Australia.
The structure, once ready, will provide visitors with various recreational activities. At the base, facilities such as shopping passage, restaurants, theatre and sky garden will be present while 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…”