Redefining Urban Spaces
for Tomorrow

Sustainable High-Rise & Redevelopment Strategies for a Net-Zero Mumbai

Civil defence perspectives for resilient infrastructure

Mumbai has recently eased approval norms up to 180 m under the DCPR 2034, allowing the Municipal Commissioner to clear tall projects with fewer layers of approval. There is also a new proposal to create “iconic buildings” under Regulation 33(27), which could reward architecturally ambitious towers. In this background, the discussion will explore how policy momentum, approval reforms, and a push for architecturally iconic towers are accelerating Mumbai’s vertical growth. Beyond height, the panel will dive into how tall buildings can redefine urban identity through design excellence, livable density, innovation in façades and structure, smarter vertical mobility, and low-carbon engineering. With digital technologies reshaping both construction and building operations, and infrastructure pressures rising, this conversation will examine the real opportunities and risks behind Mumbai’s high-rise leap toward 2035.

With thousands of old, cessed, and structurally vulnerable buildings across Mumbai approaching the end of their lifecycle, the city is entering its most significant redevelopment window in decades. From scattered society redevelopments to large cluster programmes and the mega Dharavi transformation, multiple scales of redevelopment are now converging to reshape Mumbai’s built fabric. Regulatory reforms, enhanced FSI, and faster approval pathways are opening unprecedented opportunities for developers, architects, and consultants. This discussion will explore how revitalising ageing precincts can deliver safer structures, smarter vertical mobility, improved infrastructure, and more livable density. As digital construction technologies advance and infrastructure demands intensify, the panel will examine why redevelopment is not just a planning necessity but the most powerful growth engine driving the city’s next phase of urban transformation.

As cities across Tamil Nadu, led by Chennai, rise vertically to meet urban demand, how can we balance density, design, and sustainability? This panel will explore how developers, architects, and engineers are adopting new technologies, modern construction techniques, and smart materials to build resilient, efficient, and human-centric towers. The discussion will also draw insights from national and global examples that are redefining high-rise living and working environments.

Smarter by Design: Integrating AI and Predictive Intelligence into the Built Environment

As commercial real estate becomes increasingly technology-driven, predictive maintenance powered by AI and IoT is transforming building management. This presentation will demonstrate how AI, combined with IoT-enabled sensors, can predict failures in HVAC systems, elevators, and other critical equipment, reducing downtime, improving safety, and extending asset life — setting new benchmarks for reliability and operational excellence.

This session will explore how advanced building automation and integrated design strategies — powered by BIM and intelligent control systems — can enhance energy efficiency, optimize indoor environmental quality, and reduce operational costs. It will highlight innovative approaches and real-world case studies from India and across the globe, demonstrating how smart building design can create sustainable, comfortable, and high-performance environments.

This discussion will explore how universal design principles, barrier-free architecture, and assistive technologies are shaping the future of accessible buildings and public spaces. From inclusive layouts, tactile pathways, adaptive lighting, and wayfinding systems to advanced mobility solutions like elevators, escalators, and walkalators, the panel will address how design and technology can work together to ensure safety, comfort, and independence for all users. Drawing from Indian regulations and global best practices, it will highlight innovative approaches to planning, retrofitting, and policy that can help Tamil Nadu’s cities move toward a more equitable and people-centric built environment.

With Hyderabad’s skyline rising rapidly — from Neopolis and Kokapet to Financial District and Uppal — high-rise towers are now the city’s dominant residential and commercial format. But designing these towers is not just about going vertical — it is about integrating comfort, movement, and innovation at every level. This panel will explore how developers, architects, and engineers are shaping high-rises that respond to climate, optimise people flow, and integrate smart systems for future-ready living.

1) How Hyderabad’s skyline is evolving: demand drivers, buyer expectations, and regulatory trends.
2) Designing for density and liveability: planning cores, balconies, daylight, and amenity stacking.
3) Vertical movement planning: optimising elevator cores, lift traffic strategies, and lobby experience.
4) Basement-to-balcony flow: smart parking layouts, vehicular movement, and service access design.
5) Future-ready structural choices: how design decisions impact flexibility, safety, and smart tech integration.
6) Enabling seamless mobility: embedding access control, visitor management, and resident experience systems.

Builder, Architect, IPC, Structural Engineer, Vertical Transport Consultant, MEP Consultant, Smart Access & Mobility Systems Expert (session sponsor)

Hyderabad’s commercial real estate is rapidly transforming — from single buildings to smart business campuses with thousands of employees. As Grade-A office demand rises, developers and facility managers are turning to predictive technologies and smart mobility solutions to elevate workplace experience, streamline operations, make buildings safe and secure, and optimise energy. This panel will focus on how office towers and tech parks are integrating advanced systems for access control, parking, people movement, and real-time building performance.

Discussion Points

1) How predictive technologies are driving smarter people flow, security, and elevator zoning in office buildings.
2) Integrating BMS with access control, parking management, and occupancy sensing for seamless daily operations.
3) Workplace experience as a leasing differentiator: what tenants expect in smart, intuitive towers.
4) Automation-driven facility management: reducing downtime, improving service delivery, and optimising energy use.
5) Smart parking and access in high-density business campuses — design, integration, and analytics.

Panel Composition

Developer/Builder (commercial buildings), Architect, IPC, Smart building tech company (session sponsor), Vertical mobility expert, Smart Parking or Access Solutions start-up, Facility Management expert

Telangana’s Future City initiative near Mucherla aims to create India’s first net-zero carbon smart zone. But how can the sustainability ambition of an entire district translate into tower-level execution across Hyderabad’s real estate markets? This panel will explore how mixed-use developers, architects, and government bodies can incorporate net-zero thinking into high-rises — through energy optimisation, predictive systems, EV infrastructure, and future-ready planning.

Discussion Points

1) What Hyderabad’s Future City reveals about integrated zoning, sustainability, and mobility vision.
2) Designing towers that sync with smart solutions: water reuse, passive cooling, and EV-readiness.
3) Smart parking, EV bays, and data-driven vehicle movement in future-focused high-rise developments.
4) Using lift/access analytics and building data to drive energy efficiency and certification readiness.
5) From IGBC to ESG: aligning project delivery with compliance, carbon goals, and investment strategy.
6) Developer perspective: balancing market viability with long-term green outcomes.

Panel Composition

Representative from Future City Planning Authority, Sustainable Real Estate Developer, Green Building consultant, Architect (green expert), IPC, Smart Mobility Expert (session sponsor)