Today, urban development rapidly expands in India due to its immense population density and ongoing globalization. This phenomenon poses a significant challenge as it consumes vast land areas, leaving medium and low-income families without the space to build their homes. This research focuses on strategies to reduce the negative impact of urban sprawl on these groups. The case of Amaravathi, a new capital city being constructed in Andhra Pradesh, India, highlights the concern about using valuable agricultural land for urban purposes. To mitigate horizontal land expansion, the study explores the potential solution of increasing city height limits. Analysis of proposals like Le Corbusier's Three Million City and Radiant City provides insights into crucial factors such as building height and ground plane considerations. The further investigation includes the demolished Kowloon City in Hong Kong and Frank Lloyd Wright's 1 Mile Tower. This research developed a strategy for a vertical neighborhood cluster in Amaravathi, considering ventilation, resident experience, land preservation, human behavior, and agricultural sustainability. The goal is to reduce the negative impact of urban expansion on medium and low- income families while promoting sustainable urban development. / Master of Science / In today's world, cities in India are rapidly growing due to dense populations and globalization. This expansion consumes large amounts of land, leaving medium and low-income families without space for their homes. This research aims to find solutions to this issue. Take the case of Amaravathi, a new capital city in Andhra Pradesh, India. Valuable agricultural land is being used for this project, raising concerns about its wise utilization. One approach to address this is exploring vertical city growth by increasing building heights. Lessons can be learned from past proposals like Le Corbusier's Three Million City and Radiant City, which provide insights into building height and layout considerations. Real-life examples like the demolished Kowloon City in Hong Kong and Frank Lloyd Wright's 1 Mile Tower help us understand the successes and failures of vertical urban development. Based on this research, a strategy is developed for creating a vertical neighborhood cluster in Amaravathi. This strategy considers ventilation, resident experience, land preservation, human behavior, and agricultural sustainability. By implementing this strategy, we aim to reduce the negative impact of urban expansion on medium and low-income families while promoting sustainable urban development. The goal is to create livable, efficient cities that respect valuable resources and meet the needs of all residents.

I consider that either walking along the riverbank or floating down the river by boat and enjoying the journey by interacting with nature is a fundamental human right. Wandering in the concrete jungle, humming while beatboxing, dancing, and skateboarding can also be great pleasures. However, as cities increasingly cover over nature with urban constructions, highways, for instance, they deprive people's right to access the river by erecting a barrier between city and nature. Citizens are the reason that cities exist. So many vivid social activities happen in the concrete jungle every day. Yet, out urban lifestyles belittle nature as it is obscured by the city. It would be much more beautiful, inspiring, and healthy if we can find ways to develop cities in harmony with nature, allowing citizens to bring our urban textures to the ever-flowing river. In my thesis, I explore the possibilities of bringing the city and the river, architecturally. / Master of Architecture