On 1st November 2015, archasm announced the brief for an open ideas competition that was both challenging as well as bold in every way possible. It was titled ‘FILM CITY TOWER, in MUMBAI, with the aim of creating an iconic landmark representing Bollywood and its significant contribution to the cultural landscape of the subcontinent for over a hundred years. It was to be styled according to the suitability of this enormous industry and transform the skyline of Bombay. The impact of the tower was to be prolific, intense and symbolic that could be achieved by the factor of height, unique style of architecture, innovative structural systems, intriguing façades, interesting volumes and shapes, the art of contrast and material juxtaposition, interactive spaces and symbolic value. The competition sought to fulfil the mission of generating a new social and cultural hub for the residents of Bombay, giving them an opportunity to observe to the stars they have idolised. The proposal should insert a variety of public functions in the tower that would greet the public with a panorama view of the city. The proposal should innovate and distribute the aspect of social and community spaces equally in a tower, which in most of the cases, is absent as the building rises up. The competition received an overwhelming 283 registrations from all around the world and was a great hit among students and architects alike. The top 3 winning entries are presented here in the following pages.
June 2016 | CITY OBSERVER111