Foreign design firms redraw Mumbai skyline

Have you heard of Namaste Tower? As the name suggests, it’s a 62-storey tall edifice coming up at Lower Parel, whose two wings will be clasped together to appear like folded hands. The architect of this 300-metre-tall project is the UK-based Atkins Design Studio. 

Just a stone’s throw away, Lodha Group’s two iconic residential towers — World One and World Crest — are under construction.

These symbols of Mumbai’s rising aspirations are designed by New York-based architecture firm Pei Cobb Freed & Partners. As much as the two projects are representative of Mumbai’s changing landscape, they are also reflective of an emerging trend in the real estate circles — if it is a high-rise, it has to be a foreign architect.

Most of the upcoming projects taller than 45 storey are being entrusted to foreign architecture firms. “The foreign firms bring great design and quality to the table,” said Rupali Nimbalkar, vice-president-design and services, RNA Corporate. She added that Indian developers are relatively new to the concept of high-rises and the experience of foreign architects comes in handy both in terms of design and function.  

“We are armed with huge volumes of FSI and vertical is the only way to go. When it comes to high rises, foreign architects have an edge,” said Nimbalkar, adding that the marginal premium on fees is a small cost to pay for the quality. 

When the likes of Atkins, Foster and HOK lend their names to a real estate project, it is not only a stamp of quality, but also an effective marketing tool that comes handy to offload the realty stock in the projects.

Some developers also rope in the foreign firms to just design the concept and lend their name, while the plan is executed by a local firm.

“Tall towers with podiums, basements and world-class amenities demand cutting-edge technology and designs, which the local architecture firms are ill-equipped to deliver. Since most foreign firms do not have a strong base in Mumbai, developers rely on the services of firms that have international exposure as well as local understanding,” said Shivaji Nagare, regional manager of Dubai-based firm Archgroup.  

Not just top developers like RNA, Lodha and Neptune, even mid-level builders are roping in firms with international expertise.  

“Unlike China, where 70% to 80% of the buildings have a foreign hand, only a small percentage of projects in India can afford the top dollar for the likes of Atkins and Foster leaving enough scope for smaller firms with international exposure,” said Ramkumar Subramanian, director of Collage Design, who put in a 10-year stint in the US before returning home to Mumbai to start his own practice. 

For foreign firms, India’s booming economy and growing realty sector has become a big attraction to set shop here.

“India is the place to be. As an architect, this is the place where you can see your designs come to life; India is an accepting market and if you understand the local culture, you are set for success,” said Sharon Jutla of UK-based ASL Architects.  

As a testimony to the local influence, Jutla has designed a six-storey lotus-shaped tower at Marine Lines.