Amazing Urban Concepts Reinvent India’s Skyline

This amazing vertical farm recently took first place in the recent <a href="http://www.aecworldxp.com/events/hpskyline2020/winner-announced" target="_blank">HP Skyline 2020 Competition</a> to reinvent India's skyline. Dubbed "The City and the Skyline", the project responds to the growing crises of water, housing, food and energy. The multi-tiered self-sufficient <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=vertical+farm">vertical farm</a> is composed of modular housing units that can be added as needed. The competition yielded some truly noteworthy designs that challenge our traditional notions of what a skyline is supposed to look like. Click through the gallery to see our other favorite entries!

Over 300 entries from students and professionals were considered and five concepts were awarded for their vision. Many of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/03/08/water-purification-skyscraper-purifies-jakarta-rivers/" target="_blank">urban skyline concepts </a>included comprehensive sustainable strategies, innovative ideas for growing populations and beautiful forms. </br> Here, another shot of The City and the Skyline by Anto Gloren and Sayali Athale from Pune

Of the design, juror Sen Kapadia said "New image of future cities with high density but loose clustering. Very sociable and humane living. Circulation needs clarification. This seems the ideal direction for changing the skyline, not visual but really culturally and ecologically sustainable. Variable elevations of different clusters promise also a future visual delight. Vary attainable proposal without demand on high technology. Here is a winner!"

Migrant City is another greenery filled design that attempts to provide housing for the increasing number of migrants entering urban centers. This concept provides densely packed, yet private housing for new residents. It has economic, social and ecological strategies to make the migrant city a self sustainable unit. </br> Designed by Akshay Goyal and Amith Jangar from Gurgaon

Sen Kapadia said about Migrant City "Inspired clustering promising neighborhood redevelopment possibilities on a smaller scale. At urban scale it would pause difficulties in light, ventilation, circulation and privacy issues. This approach will have to be loosen for a larger canvas. May not be able to offer iconic landmark to define various urban definitions."

Bio-Stratum is an entry inspired by nature and uses biomimicry as a model for the design of a plant-like eco tower. The mixed-use tower is totally self-sufficient, captures rainwater, filters air and grows its own food. </br> Designed by S. Rakesh and Coimbatore Balakrishnan CIBI

"Starting with an improbable comparison, it leap-frogged to plausible conclusions! The derived form may yet transform the urban landscape," Sen Kapadia said about Bio Stratum.