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Public park under flyover in Mumbai
Image source: http://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-after-
matunga-bmc-to-set-up-more-gardens-under-city-flyovers/1239263
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I don’t think there would be anyone who would not enjoy
being with natural elements like trees, water-bodies, soil, rock. Urban people
are looking for an opportunity to have a long weekend and get rejuvenated
through short outing in a natural setting. In current scenario urban areas have
very less outdoor or green spaces compared to the large built spaces accommodating
vast population. Small green pockets act like breather in surrounding concrete
jungles. Even in small houses people try to grow plants indoor and connect with
the outdoor spaces as that’s the human nature.
The branch of the architecture that deals with design of
unbuilt or outdoor spaces is called landscape architecture. As mentioned earlier
human needs shelter or built spaces for certain activities. But outdoor
activities are inseparable part of human life. Well designed built spaces
enrich the experience of those spaces similarly well designed/ landscaped
outdoor spaces enrich the experience of the unbuilt spaces.
Where do you see such
unbuilt spaces in your day-to-day life? The terrace garden, children’s play area, neighbourhood parks,
schools, open spaces in commercial complexes. Offices, industries, institutional
complexes etc. Try to remember different children play area where you had
played as child. You must have appreciated one of it the best for the experience
that you had there. You might not have realised then that it’s because of the
design.
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| Mughal Garden Srinagar Image source :http://www.globalvisiontours.com/Kashmir/images/ srinagar/The%20Mughal%20Gardens3.jpg |
Planning of different zones, design of pathways, trellis,
water bodies, details like materials used for pathways, lights etc., choice of
trees plant are the factors contributing to a well-designed landscape architecture.
Its not about only beatification or tree plantation. Like architecture,
landscape architecture too involves deep research before designing stage. Landscape
architect understands soil, local foliage, water properties, people’s behavior,
needs of the society, culture. Based of this study they propose different spaces
or activities in outdoor areas of the site. They work in coordination with
architect and come up with best integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. They
work with horticulturist to better manage, preserve and maintain sustainability
of the site and the design. They coordinate with environmental psychologist to propose better usage
of unbuilt spaces for benefit of the society. Landscape architecture is thus a complex
activity and is better accomplished with team work for huge sites.
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| Japanese Garden Image source: http://www.japanesehouse.org/about-us/sub-2/ |
Historically different regions demonstrate rich traditions
in landscape designs. Mughal architecture, roman architecture, Japanese architecture
have their own design principle for landscape designs. I am sure you must have experienced
visiting these intriguing landscape designs.
Unbuilt spaces are always perceived as part of only huge
sites like resort, institutional campuses, offices etc.
But traditionally our
individual houses too had open spaces like interior open to sky courtyard,
front and backyard.
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| Open to sky courtyard in traditional house Image source:http://www.darts-design.com/traditional -indian-house-designs/tremendeous-traditional-indian-house- designs-traditional-indian-home-designs-mellydia-mellydia/ |
All these spaces had own charm owing to how it was designed
by the owner. Nowadays too interiors have plantation and are designed by
interior landscape designers.
I wish we succeed in connecting our young generation well
with unbuilt spaces and nature through well landscape architecture and bring back
much needed environmental balance!
Some useful links
