Eco-Friendly "Vertical Village" Is a Futuristic Eden





A view from above shows that the complex blends into the natural landscape:





The curvilinear complex (called "Hyperions," much like the futuristic Dan Simmons novel) is a "cradle-to-cradle" design, meaning that it would be built to holistically fit into the surrounding ecosystem and combine a minimalist industrial design with integrated natural features. By incorporating natural elements into the design, it maximizes energy efficiency and minimizes environmental impact, creating the possibility for more sustainable, eco-friendly living.A view from above shows that the complex blends into the natural landscape:

Many futuristic dystopias feature self-sufficient communities in tall, imposing towers rife with social and economic inequality, such as the Tom Hiddleston-starring adaptation of J.G. Ballard's High-Rise. But newly released plans for an "eco-neighborhood" to be built outside of New Delhi portray a sustainable "vertical village" composed of six 36-story towers, and it looks like a futuristic paradise.The towers are connected by common green spaces as well as sky footbridges connect the towers. All of the energy needed to sustain the compound is generated on-site; the footbridges are irrigated with recycled water, wind turbines embedded in wind lampposts provide the necessary light, the towers are covered in solar facades, and a state-of-the-art greenhouse provides the means for sustainable food-growing.The phytopurification lagoon provides a sustainable source of water; unlike septic tanks, which use anaerobic bacteria that produce corrosive gases, phytopurification uses aerobic bacteria living in the roots of plants in order to purify the water, which almost eliminates the environmental impact:Vegetation is supported throughout the complex; in the lobby, on the rooftops, outside the homes, in order to maximize green output. There are communal orchards that function for food production and community-building spaces, and the design is so thoroughly built into the natural environment, fruit can grow off of the living apartments.Scientists have increasingly been claiming that close-knit urban living is the future of sustainability, as the closer people live to each other, the less energy is necessary to provide heat and light. As a result, scenarios like the one in High Rise are seeming all-too-likely, but this is a beautiful and more homey alternative.

Via Business Insider