INDIA TOWER, INDIA, MUMBAI, 2008
Symmetrical tubular tower with mid-level sky-lobby
By OMA © All rights reserved
Despite its transformation into a cultural and economic hub, Mumbai lacks an architectural symbol that projects its cosmopolitan identity. Most of its existing 'monuments' refer to a colonial past and become anachronistic when confronted by the 21st century energy and diversity of this island mega-city. The imminent arrival of towers emulating the Dubai formula appears equally dubious as a means for Mumbai to express itself.
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Situated along the curving expanse of Marine Drive at the southern end of the city, the India Tower – which contains apartments, a hotel and conference facilities – is composed of an architectural language and materiality familiar throughout the city, yet its form remains distinct.

The tubular tower is separated into two symmetrical halves, which become wider where they meet in the middle, offering an exceptional moment of transparency in a mid-air lobby. Rather than confining public life to the ground like the typical skyscraper, here that vibrancy is elevated in an expansive central node.

The sky-lobby is an intersection of all paths within the tower and a panoramic platform for any possible activity to unfold. The gesture defines the India Tower's visibility in the skyline and establishes it as an innovative and convincing symbol of the subcontinent.
FACT SHEET
Project:
India Tower

Status:
Competition 2008

Client:
Dynamix Balwas Group

Location:
Mumbai, India

Budget:
N/A

Site:
Marine Drive

Program:
81,700m² for hotel, apartments, retail, conference facilities, support services

COLLABORATORS
Engineering:
Arup

3D rendering:
Maria Derencova and Martin Gallovsky

Model photography:
Frans Parthesius

CREDITS
Partner in charge:
Rem Koolhaas

Project manager:
Iyad Alsaka

Project architect:
Adam Frampton

Team:
Guilherme de Bivar, Mitesh Dixit, Zachary Heineman, Martin Hejl, Ravi Kamisetti, Alexander Menke, Agustin Perez-Torres, Adrian Phiffer, Patrizia Zobernig