This futuristic 'vertical village' is like a jungle stretching 36 stories into the sky

17 GATEWAY VIEW hyperions
The Hyperions project envisions a vibrant eco-positive community. Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures

The organic, curvilinear designs of an Avatar universe may be closer than we think.

Advertisement

Indian agroecologist Amlankusum and Paris-based Vincent Callebaut Architectures have released plans for a vertical "eco-neighborhood" called the Jaypee Green Sports City. The compound, which would theoretically be built outside of New Delhi, is named "Hyperions" and consists of a set of six 36-story towers connected by common green spaces, walkways, and shared eco-conscious utilities.

It's full of innovative details meant to optimize energy efficiency and limit environmental impact.

Let's take a look at one team's vision of the future of sustainable living, below.

Advertisement

This model shows the plan for the six-tower complex, each standing 36 stories tall. The substructure is made of steel and concrete with earthquake-resistant properties, while the superstructure consists of locally sourced solid wood.

05 MODEL hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures

All of the energy needed to operate the complex is produced on-site in hyper-specific methods. Wind lampposts, for instance, have wind turbines embedded within them to produce the necessary light.

08 AERIAL VIEW hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Advertisement

From above, you can see how the design blends into the landscape, making full use of all potential for green space.

06 SATTELITE VIEW hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures

Solar energy collection is another major part of the functioning of the complex: here's a closeup of the scale-like solar facades.

15 SOLAR FACADES hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Advertisement

The design is that of a "vertical village," with flexible spaces for businesses and coworking on the solar facade sides, while living spaces are on the sides with hydroponic greenery balconies.

14 FOOTBRIDGES hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures

You can see the solar facades on all of the south-facing exterior walls, taking advantage of the most light.

17 GATEWAY VIEW hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Advertisement

Rooftops are planted with trees and vegetation to maximize green output.

09 GREEN ROOF
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures

This rendering of a "sky deck" shows off the spaciousness of the structures.

10 SKY DECK hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Advertisement

A "permaculture greenhouse" enables self-sufficient food production.

11 PERMACULTURE GREENHOUSE hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures

Community orchards serve a function for both food production and community gathering spaces.

19 COMMUNITY ORCHARDS hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Advertisement

Wood is the most-used material: the designers note that it has the most limited environmental footprint during its life cycle, making it the most environmentally friendly option.

28 WOODEN LIVING ROOM
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures

Here's another greenhouse view, showing the unique ceiling architecture.

20 TROPICAL GREENHOUSE hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Advertisement

Jaypee is subject to both high temperatures and harsh winters, so a low-energy climate control system is necessary.

13 POND VIEW hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures

A "phytopurification lagoon" at ground level serves as both a reflecting pool and a water source.

21 PHYTOPURIFICATION LAGOON hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Advertisement

An entrance lobby is filled with more vegetation.

22 ENTRANCE LOBBY hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures

The design feels both controlled and organic.

23 FOOD GARDENS hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Advertisement

There's even a proposed natural swimming pool for recreation.

24 NATURAL SWIMMING POOL hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures

Sky footbridges connect the towers at various levels. They are irrigated with recycled water.

25 SKY FOOTBRIDGES hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Advertisement

Considered a "cradle to cradle" apartment, the concept is to construct an independent and self-sufficient community.

26 CRADLE TO CRADLE APARTMENT hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures

Here's an example of the aquaponic balconies, where fruit and vegetable sources can be grown just off of living apartments.

27 AQUAPONIC BALCONY hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Advertisement

A rendering of a co-working space shows the minimalist design.

29 COWORKING SPACE hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures

It's a unique vision for a sustainable-living complex.

41 WOODEN FACADES hyperions
Courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Arts & Culture India Design
Advertisement
Close icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.