Mumbai’s Namaste Tower Resembles Two Henna-Covered Hands Clasped Together

Namaste Tower is a new high-rise covered in intricate henna-esque designs that is currently under construction in <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/mumbai/">Mumbai</a> - and it promises to be one of the world's most unique new skyscrapers when it's completed in 2015. Designed by <a href="http://www.atkinsglobal.com/">WS Atkins</a> the high rise is inspired by the Indian greeting "Namaste," and it features two joined volumes that are meant to resemble two hands clasped together. The eco-friendly tower will feature large solar thermal collectors, which will heat some of the water used inside the building.

Last we heard from WS Atkins, the international design firm had designed a massive skyscraper for Dubai <a href="http://inhabitat.com/anara-tower-by-atkins-design-studio/">with a large windmill built into it</a> (the proposed building was later cancelled).

The 62-story Namaste Tower is similarly ambitious, and it will be a new icon for the Mumbai skyline. The new tower will feature a W Hotel, which will include large banquet halls that can be used for weddings, as well as office and retail space.

The podium at the base of the building will feature a large canopy, which will include an array of solar thermal collectors that will have the potential to provide 12 percent of the energy needed to heat the hot water for the hotel.

The tower is composed of two symmetrical masses that are joined together; the space between the two wings forms the corridors. At the end of each corridor, there will be an open atrium providing dramatic views of the city.

The building will be clad in white Alpolic and glass that will be fritted with large-scale graphics that are meant to resemble henna, creating visual depth to the facade.

"The aim is to create a sense of transparency and depth to the building while at the same time, help maintain the thermal qualities required to meet the building’s envelope design," explain the architects.