By Sidhant Shekhar Jha
Prominent architect Padma Bhushan Hafeez Contractor emphasised the role of vertical urban planning in preserving agricultural land during a fireside chat at NAREDCO NextGen Maharashtra’s Excelerate 3.0.
Speaking on the need for sustainable urban development, Hafeez said, “Creating islands of high-rises on these lands can prevent the unnecessary conversion of agricultural land for commercial purposes.”
He emphasised that raising the Floor Space Index (FSI) to 8, which would allow for more vertical development, could mitigate Mumbai’s housing challenges. “We do not have sufficient FSI to house people,” he said, adding that concentrated high-rise clusters could maximise urban land use and curb sprawl into rural areas.
Addressing the affordability crisis, Hafeez urged the government to reduce taxes and premiums imposed on real estate developers. He argued that such measures are essential for ensuring housing projects remain financially viable for the middle class and beyond.
The fireside chat provided a platform for Hafeez to reflect on career-defining moments. He shared how Infosys founder Narayana Murthy appreciated his design for the company’s Bangalore office. “When I designed Infosys Global Education Centre in Mysore, Mr. Narayana Murthy really liked it. Later, when the design transformed into a notable building, the then Congress President Sonia Gandhi came to inaugurate it and praised my design skills,” he recalled.
Excelerate 3.0, themed “Innovation in Construction,” brought together industry leaders to discuss solutions for sustainable urban growth. Hafeez’s call for vertical expansion, tax reforms, and efficient land use aligned with the conference’s agenda of addressing urbanisation challenges through innovation.
The event highlighted the urgency of creating strong urban ecosystems to balance development with sustainability. Hafeez’s insights underlined the crucial role of progressive policies in reshaping India’s urban landscape.
