Bengaluru: Bengaluru’s urban landscape may soon feature a towering new attraction, thanks to a bold vision by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The Deputy CM, during his recent visit to the United States, explored ‘The Edge’ skydeck in New York City, a major architectural marvel, to gain inspiration for an upcoming project in Bengaluru. His trip reflects a broader ambition to redefine the city’s skyline and enhance its tourism appeal.

Visit to The Edge in New York

While in New York, DK Shivakumar visited The Edge, a spectacular skydeck located on the 100th floor of a building in Hudson Yards. Spanning an area of  7,500 square feet, The Edge offers a unique 360-degree view of New York City’s bustling skyline. Fully constructed with glass from floor to ceiling, it is renowned for offering a thrilling experience, with visitors able to stand on a glass floor and gaze down at the streets below. The Deputy CM was particularly impressed with the cutting-edge technology that created this one-of-a-kind structure.

During his visit, he held discussions with architect Dr Babu Kilara and Kenneth Drucker, who played significant roles in building iconic structures such as the World Trade Center in New York, Shanghai Tower in China, and Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Shivakumar’s office issued a press note detailing these meetings and emphasised his intent to bring a similar project to Bengaluru.

“If modern technology is combined with strong thoughts, the skydeck may bring a new definition to the Bengaluru skyline as well as improve the quality of urban development,” Shivakumar remarked, outlining his desire to integrate advanced design principles with the city’s ongoing urban growth.

Bengaluru’s 250-Metre Skydeck: The Plan

The Karnataka government is planning to construct a 250-metre-tall skydeck in Hemmigepura, located in West Bengaluru. The project is expected to be a major touristic draw and could become one of the tallest structures in the region. Hemmigepura, which is relatively underdeveloped compared to other parts of the city, has been chosen due to its availability of vacant land parcels and potential for large-scale development.

The state has already earmarked a significant land parcel for this ambitious project, which will likely serve both as a tourist attraction and a symbol of Bengaluru’s modernity and growth.

A Global Perspective: Lessons from The Edge

The Edge in New York is the highest outdoor skydeck in the Western Hemisphere, drawing thousands of tourists daily with its panoramic views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and beyond. For Bengaluru, a similar project could transform how the city is viewed, both literally and figuratively.

One of the key takeaways from Shivakumar’s visit is the use of glass technology to create a transparent, open-air experience. This technology would be replicated in the proposed Bengaluru skydeck, allowing visitors to have an unobstructed view of the city and the surrounding region. The Deputy CM envisions the project as a landmark structure that would rival famous buildings in cities like Dubai and Shanghai.

Challenges and Opportunities for Bengaluru

Building such a tall structure will come with its share of challenges. Ensuring safety, managing the structural load of a glass skydeck, and addressing environmental concerns will be key priorities for the design team. However, given Bengaluru’s booming tech industry and international appeal, the city is well-positioned to pull off a project of this magnitude.

Moreover, creating a world-class attraction will further bolster Bengaluru’s image as a global city. By investing in such innovative projects, the government aims to improve not just the city’s aesthetics but also its capacity for attracting international tourists and investors.

A Future-Defining Project

The proposal for the 250-metre skydeck aligns with Karnataka’s broader urban development goals. The Deputy CM’s office has indicated that the skydeck will be more than just a tourist site – it is envisioned as a catalyst for growth, sparking development in the surrounding areas and increasing investment opportunities in West Bengaluru.

The state’s urban planners are now exploring how best to incorporate innovative design principles that can enhance the city’s architecture, while also providing a sustainable and future-ready structure.

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