Karnataka: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar Comes Up With Bengaluru Skydeck Project After Tunnel Road Proposal

After considering the idea of tunnel roads to ease traffic congestion in Bengaluru, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka D K Shivakumar is now contemplating the construction of a 250-metre tall skydeck in the city.

If the proposal becomes a reality, it will become the tallest viewing tower in the country.

Shivakumar, who also serves as the Bengaluru Development Minister, discussed the project on Tuesday (17 October), focusing on its financial viability and land requirements.

He instructed officials from the urban development department to find 8-10 acres of land. The areas in close proximity to Kanteerava Stadium, Vidhana Soudha, and Race Course Road, essentially constituting the heart of the city, are currently under consideration for this project.

The skydeck proposal has been developed by the design and architecture firm Coop Himmelb(l)au from Austria, in collaboration with the World Design Organisation (WDO) in Bengaluru.

Coop Himmelb(l)au is renowned for its work on projects such as the Musee des Confluences in Lyon, France, and the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, Germany.

The design of the skydeck is said to have drawn inspiration from the intricate algorithms that govern the natural growth of the banyan tree, including its sprawling branches, hanging roots, and blooming flowers.

The 250-metre tall structure will be divided into three parts — base, trunk, and blossom — and aims to provide visitors with a sense of being immersed in nature.

According to an official, "The base represents the history of the place and city, while the trunk symbolises the journey reminiscent of the growth of the banyan tree. The top portion, known as the blossom, will resemble a beacon inspired by a flower in bloom," reports Times Of India.

The construction of the structure will adhere to energy-efficient standards, with features such as a rotating wing catcher at the top to face the wind direction, solar panels on the rollercoaster deck to generate energy, and algorithmic base structures to allow ample airflow.

Once completed, the structure will offer visitors various entertainment and recreational facilities.

The base section will house amenities such as a shopping passage, restaurants, a theatre, and a sky garden.

The top portion will feature a rollercoaster station, an exhibition hall, a sky lobby, a sky deck for panoramic views, a restaurant and bar, and a VIP area.

In their presentation, the company stated, "The skywalk and rollercoaster are engineering marvels, suspended midair on a delicate network of tension cables extending from the tower's core, defying gravity."