India may build structure that will outshine Taj Mahal

London, Aug 28 (PTI) If architects have their way, India
may soon build a new spectacular space station-style structure
which could outshine the Taj Mahal.
The glistening design, which takes its inspiration from
traditional Hindu life, was revealed for world architecture
competition to be held during the World Architecture Festival
(WAF) in Barcelona later this year.
According to the plan, the building, called Atmosphere,
will contain 80 housing units designed for multi-generational
families.
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.
The building, proposed to be built in Kolkata even
includes an indoor putting green, the Daily Mail reported.
If constructed, it would outshine the Taj Mahal, the 16th
century a mausoleum located in Agra which is most beautiful
structure in India and one of the biggest wonders of the
world, the report said.
Other futuristic designs revealed for world architecture
competition 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.
Officially know as NLF Bursa, the chocolate ribbon design
to be built in Turkey will 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 included a
railway system and shopping centres.

Another eye-catching design is the Oyster, the 18 storey
Taipei Nangang Office Tower proposed to be built 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 the 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 WAF competition has so far
attracted 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."