PROJECT | P & E

High-rise living in Asia is different from how it originally began in the West. As in the West, living in tall structures became popular after World War II, when most countries needed to rebuild and accommodate for an influx of people into big cities. For many countries in Asia, the high-rise signified a new start. Its social implications are positive — it is an indicator of growth and a climb up the social ladder. For some countries, it marks a break away from the past and signifies moving forward.. In some, it is the ultimate symbol of luxury. Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Korea and other countries in Asia are known for housing some of the tallest residences in the world. The high-rise phenomenon is now discernible across the world - other countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, India, including countries in South America and in the Middle East are following suit.

Korea and India are two peninsulas in Asia but have significantly different geography, climate, scale and culture — a difference that is reflected in its traditional architecture. The hanok, tailor-made for Koean life is very different from the haveli, built to accommodate the large families of North-Indian merchant communities. Two countries whose traditions of housing were easily distinguishable merely a century ago, now have the high-rise apartment as a common expression in mainstream housing construction. Tall Storey is a documentation of this situation.

High-rise living in Asia is different from how it originally began in the West. As in the West, living in tall structures became popular after World War II, when most countries needed to rebuild and accommodate for an influx of people into big cities. For many countries in Asia, the high-rise signified a new start. Its social implications are positive — it is an indicator of growth and a climb up the social ladder. For some countries, it marks a break away from the past and signifies moving forward.. In some, it is the ultimate symbol of luxury. Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Korea and other countries in Asia are known for housing some of the tallest residences in the world. The high-rise phenomenon is now discernible across the world - other countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, India, including countries in South America and in the Middle East are following suit.

Korea and India are two peninsulas in Asia but have significantly different geography, climate, scale and culture — a difference that is reflected in its traditional architecture. The hanok, tailor-made for Koean life is very different from the haveli, built to accommodate the large families of North-Indian merchant communities. Two countries whose traditions of housing were easily distinguishable merely a century ago, now have the high-rise apartment as a common expression in mainstream housing construction. Tall Storey is a documentation of this situation.