Experts are calling for the development of vertical forest cities in India to integrate skyscrapers with urban biodiversity corridors [1].
This shift in urban planning aims to combat rising temperatures and the proliferation of concrete and glass environments. By embedding vegetation and sustainable water management into high-rise building performance, cities can mitigate the urban heat island effect and restore local ecosystems [2].
Subhapradha, an architecture student, said there is a need for vertical forest cities in India with skyscrapers integrated with urban biodiversity corridors [1]. The proposal emphasizes a transition away from traditional sterile high-rises toward structures that function as living extensions of the natural environment.
Spanish botanist Ignacio Solano is already implementing similar concepts globally. Solano said he sees "something different" in empty walls [2]. He transforms ordinary urban surfaces into living forests through the installation of massive vertical gardens [2].
These installations often utilize thousands of plants [2] to create a breathable skin for buildings. Such systems do more than provide aesthetic value, and they serve as critical infrastructure for air filtration and temperature regulation in densely populated areas.
In cities like Chennai, the integration of these green corridors could provide a scalable solution to urban sprawl [1]. The goal is to create a symbiotic relationship between the built environment and the natural world, ensuring that high-density living does not come at the cost of ecological health.
“"Need vertical forest cities in India, with skyscrapers integrated with urban biodiversity corridors"”
The push for vertical forests represents a move toward 'biophilic urbanism,' where nature is not merely a park added to a city but a fundamental component of the architecture. For rapidly urbanizing Indian cities, this approach could reduce energy demands for cooling and provide essential habitats for urban wildlife, potentially setting a new standard for sustainable high-density development in the Global South.
