INDIA MAY BUILD STRUCTURE THAT COULD 'OUTSHINE' TAJ MAHAL

LONDON (NNN-Bernama) -- Stretching 100 meters into the sky, India may soon build a new spectacular space-station and this glistening new design could

outshine Taj Mahal, according to Press Trust of India (PTI).

The space station-style structure called Atmosphere could be constructed in

Calcutta if architects have their way. 

PTI reported that it takes its inspiration from traditional Hindu life and will contain 80 housing units which are designed for multigenerational families.

According to the plan, large terraces off the main facade provide considerable outside space for each home, and special panels carrying shimmering mobile reflective disks are scattered across the building's mesh finish. 

It even includes an indoor putting green and the chocolate ribbon comes alive at night to take on an entirely different look to the scene during the day.

The building, proposed to be built in Kolkata and when it is constructed, it

would outshine the 'monument of love', PTI quoted a local daily as saying.

Taj Mahal is the 16th century mausoleum located in Agra, described as the most beautiful structure in India, and one of the biggest wonders of the world .

The futuristic design is in a competition as part of the World Architecture Festival which takes place in Barcelona later this year. 

Other efforts range from a clam shell to a long chocolate ribbon design.

These startling visions of future have been brought to life as part of the festival's Open Buildings People's Choice Award. 

PTI reported that officially know as NLF Bursa this chocolate ribbon design

is designed to be a luxury residential high-rise which is topped off with a helipad. 

There is also a restaurant at the top which would give diners a 360 degree unobstructed view. It also includes a railway system and shopping centres and designers hope will be a built in Turkey. 

Dubbed the Oyster, the 18 storey Taipei Nangang Office Tower in Taiwan is

almost identical to a shell. 

The architects took inspiration for the design from river pebbles and say it creates a 'unique aesthetic that conveys the idea of softness and elegance as well as strength and character.

Incorporated are kitchens, coffee shops, small libraries and brainstorming areas which designers say make it a fantastic ‘urban living room.’

It even has plants in the outer walls to provide natural shade and cool down

the rooms during summer. 

Now in its fourth year, the competition attracted its highest number of

entries to date with 704 entries from 59 different countries.

Paul Finch, WAF Programme Director, said: "There is now an increasing need for innovative approaches to architecture, inspiring architects and designers to

think in new ways about buildings. 

"It’s encouraging that the quality of this year’s entries is the highest we’ve ever seen and we look forward to seeing which projects win."--NNN-BERNAMA