"Theme-based housing projects are a huge attraction now", says Mohammed Ali, director, Vakil Housing Development Corporation, whose projects include some like an English hamlet, Moghul garden city and Whispering Woods.
These projects revolve around certain themes: Vakil Hamlet aims at capturing the world of mystery romance and extravagant living of the English.
"Hamlet is an impressive reminder of the medieval grandeur right here in Bangalore. Modelled on the magnificent architecture of old with an imposing entrance arch, water walls with thematic murals, ornate designs and ancient street lamps, Vakil Hamlet is straight out of a history textbook", says a spokesperson.
Located at Jigani on intermediate ring road, the township offers an old world charm but with all modern amenities, including an amphitheatre, day-care centre for children, indoor and outdoor games facilities.
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Another leading city developer, Purvanakara, has come up with 'Purva Venezia' in Yelahanka. "The project, to be completed in 2010, offers a slice of Venice in Bangalore", says a marketing personnel of the city developer.
Spread over 23 acres, it offers the beauty of canals with gondolas, arched bridges and a piazza outlined with supermarkets and stores.
Those wishing to take a break from the cacophony of the streets and workplaces can return to a home that offers the serenity of Bali, with tropical foliage, the rich landscaping and overpowering Balinese motifs or sit by the Marina bay of a Chinese dwelling.
One could be in Bangalore and yet be away from it, says a marketing officer of a leading developer. "Your home could be an ideal getaway from your chaotic workplace", he says.
"Many of today's customers are globe-trotters. They have been abroad and seen the world. They want to have something of that when they return home and a theme-based project gives them that opportunity", says Ali.
The booming economy, the increasing purchasing power of consumers and the need to be associated with anything exotic is what is driving this segment, says a developer.
A theme project is worked out after a brainstorming session, says Ali. "We have a series of meetings before we finalise the theme. We then have experts some from abroad flown in to design the project", he says.
Many customers are very quality-conscious. A cut-and-paste job of a landscape really did not work. "Execution of theme in perfection is of utmost importance", Ali said, adding that all calls for meticulous planning and detailing before executing the project to the finest detail.
Vakil's garden city which replicates the Shalimar Baug, aims at providing the beauty of the well laid out gardens. "Gardens are very important in our layouts", says an official of the company.