Regional Headline :

Landscape architects are creatively using open spaces to cater to changing needs

B’LURU LANDSCAPES TURN MORE GREEN, SUSTAINABLE

Mini.Thomas@timesofindia.com

andscape architecture in Ben galuru is witnessing a transfor mation. The extent of green

spaces in gated communities is

ising. There is a move towards

‘more native plants. Open spaces

are being used creatively. Sustainability

practices are becoming common. And with

many Bengalureans secretly harbouring

the dream of living in the countryside drawn by its slower pace of life, connection

with nature, and close-knit communities some projects on the outskirts of the city

are integrating rural elements into the metropolitan environment.

Kannan Somasundaram, principal landscape architect at Design Milieu, says apartment landscapes used to be targeted towards providing as many amenities as possible to cater to all age groups and varied functional needs of the community. But today, he says, there is greater focus on greenery and sustainability. “Along with function and aesthetics, environmental and ecological aspects are gaining more importance,” he says.

Charulatha Rangarajan, principal architect and founder of Upasarg, says today’s landscape designs provide for open outdoor spaces for individual activities like reading, listening to music, lounging gazebos, working pods (work from home/garden). They provide picnic spaces, with barbeque facilities, for small groups, and celebration spaces like amphitheatre and party lawns for larger groups. “Knowledge gardens with open libraries also find place in the modern community garden,” she says.

Radhika Bhat, design director in Earth Studio, says landscape design in apartments is seeing a rise in outdoor gyms, balcony planters and terrace level community spaces for recreation and exercise.

Rohit Marol, founder of Terra Firma Landscape Architecture, also emphasises the role of landscape architecture in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing open spaces such as sit-outs, decks, pavilions, and water bodies including swimming pools. The inclusion of wooded areas, he says, enhances the aesthetics and functionality of the spaces. “Landscape architecture isnot just about planting trees and cultivating gardens,” he says.

And when you are planting gardens, it’s important to select the right plants. Some of the favourites include frangipani, various types of lilies, heliconias, ribbon grass, and anthuriums. “These plants thrive well in the city’s climate and add vibrant colours to urban spaces,” Anjum Jung, principal architect and founder of Morph Design Company and executive director at Prestige Group, says. Plants such as aloe vera and snake leaf are advantageous for indoor environments due to their low maintenance and air-purifying capabilities. The trend of incorporating indoor plants is growing as people look for ways to enhance their living spaces with minimal effort.

Embracing sustainability

Landscape architects are also increasingly incorporating sustainable practices into their projects. Sekar James, founder of Master Plan, has designed fully automated irrigation systems that provide bio nutrients, instead of chemicals.

Prasad G, a principal architect at Dhruva Landscape Architect, uses treated sewage water for irrigation, he uses solar lighting, and local materials to minimise the

DEAR DER

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As a native of Bengaluru, known as L | the Garden City, | am thrilled with the emerging trend of incorporating landscaping into interior ' design. The boundaries between indoors and outdoors are increasingly blurring,

We select plants requiring minimal water. We prefer natural lawns over manicured ones. One of our projects has a 82-foot high and 52-feet wide bio-wall that not only enhances insulation, but also introduces natural air purification and humidification systems. Another project

includes a Miyawaki forest that enhances biodiversity by attracting birds and various other fauna, and helps regulate surface temperature.

Ajay Koshy | HEAD, DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT, BRIGADE GROUP

allowing elements such as plants, foliage,

trend.

INSTITUTE

(WD), 8 PTER

Diverse landscape

amenities and a

greater emphasis on

active recreation are

becoming central to

modern living in

Bengaluru. Amenities

such as swimming

pools, tennis courts,

fitness trails, senior

corners, barbecue

pavilions and tranquil

contemplative nooks

and coves show this

trend.

Madhup Mazumdar |

PRINCIPAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT,

) DESIGN SR Accoro

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4 (ME

People are increasingly using wall gardens in apartments, particularly where balconies are close to each other, to enhance privacy and visual appeal. Dry landscaping is also becoming more popular due to its low maintenance requirements. This

sculptures, water features, and fauna to seamlessly integrate into interior spaces. This concept is called biophilia and has become a significant

(Gunjan Das | CHAIRPERSON, INDIAN INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Bengaluru airport T2's landscape design weaves anarrative in which nature journeys along with passengers. Innovative and cerebral insets of planters, bells, waterfalls, green walls, rocky outcrops and a series of gardens, including sunken gardens, are strategically positioned at myriad eye levels to offer passengers across lounges a visual connection.

Apurva Bose Dutta | autHor &

ARCHITECTURAL JOURNALIST

Apartment landscapes used to be targeted towards providing maximum amenities to cater to all age groups and varied functional needs of the community. Today, there is greater focus on greenery. Sustainability is also gaining importance. The net zero design approach is being taken more seriously. Water conservation principles are being adopted. There’s a focus on native plants.

Kannan Somasundaram | PRINCIPAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, DESIGN MILIEU

Site analysis plays a crucial role in shaping landscape project outcomes. The process involves extensive examination of the site to decipher its characteristics. We take into consideration

technique employs decorative stones, gravel, and cacti. Anjum Jung | PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT

& FOUNDER, MORPH DESIGN

.. The inclusion of

o) aesthetics and .

B\ wooded areas enhances the functionality of at home even on spaces. Rohit Marol |

CCOMPANY, AND FOUNDER, TERRA FIRMA | Tirupathi Rao Vaddi | pEUE S LANDSCAPE CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER,

| experience a sense of calmness while being in green surroundings. Given a choice, I'd stay

weekdays availing the work from home option.

several aspects,

including ecology, requirements, and user behaviour. Prasad G |

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

carbon footprint. Prasad has worked on projects for corporate offices like those of SAP Labs and HCL in Bengaluru, besides numerous real estate projects.

Some projects incorporate water bodies that aid in recharging groundwater and storing rainwater. “One of our projects in Devanahalli and another on Old Madras Road feature ponds used for storing rainwater,” says Ajay Koshy, head of designand development at Brigade Group.

Rural elements

Madhup Mazumdar, who was the executive landscape architect for the Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2 and is

currently working on the landscape design of agreenIT park in Bengaluruand a number of premium housing estates in the city, says the trend of developing villacommunities on the outskirts of the city, nestled within nature reserves, is gaining traction. “These ‘stay in the woods’ projects offer a unique blend of wellness, forest living, and self-sustaining eco-living, providing an escape from urban life and a chance to connect with nature, appealing to those who wish to cut off from the urban hustle and immerse themselves in nature,” he says. Somasundaram of Design Milieu is currently overseeing a 15-acre project that includes a 3.5-acre space dedicated to a fruit

orchard and an organic kitchen garden aimed at fostering community involvement. “The produce will be shared among all residents,” he says. The design also features aDIY (do-it-yourself) kitchen garden space specifically for children.

Embassy Springs, a 288-acre township in Devanahalli, also exemplifies this trend. It features over 45 acres of open green spaces and seven large community parks.

Tirupathi Rao Vaddi, chief finance officer at Inflow Technologies, lives in another similar project, Prestige Augusta Golf Village near Anagalapura. “I am the happiest when I am in my green paradise,” smiles Tirupathi.

We would love to hear from you on landscape innovations your residential complexes have come up with. Please send your feedback to timescommunity @ timesofindia.com. You could also share your favourite recipes and the stories behind them to the same email id, with your photographs.