Social Acceptability of High-rise Residential Buildings – A Case of Ahmedabad

The construction industry is a vital catalyst for economic expansion in developed and developing nations. The sector's prosperity in urban environments is particularly evident in high-rise structures. These projects garner significant public and private investments, crucial to a country's development. The trend of vertical growth of a city is directly proportional to attributes like affordability, existing policies of development, and land value in urban areas, which has tangentially increased residents on higher floors. The impact of these high-rise residential spaces on residents varies across dimensions like comfort, energy consumption, workplace accessibility, occupation, resident activity levels, and resource accessibility. The residents' willingness, motivation, and aspirations tied to living in high-rise residences are shaped by many factors, which can differ significantly in local contexts. In this context, this paper explores the evolving concept of high-rise buildings and their increasing prevalence, delving into the multifaceted impacts of high-rise residential spaces on the social fabric of their inhabitants. By considering the diverse criteria for defining tall buildings and analyzing their social consequences, this study contributes to our understanding of urban development and the dynamics of high-rise living, shedding light on the complexities and nuances of these modern urban environments. The paper mainly aims to map the willingness, aspiration, and motivation of the residents of high-rise residential complexes in the city of Ahmedabad. Mapping social acceptability can help developers, designers, architects, and policymakers aid the evolution through the lens of ease of living and attributes that significantly impact living on the higher floors.