A scenic view from home

Landscaping is increasingly becoming a key focus in residential projects in Chennai, with innovative elements such as forests and waterbodies being integrated into the designs. Rohit Marol, founder and principal of Terra Firma, a landscape architect who recently completed the World Trade Centre project on Old Mahabalipuram Road says, “Traditionally, we found Chennai to be a very conservative market not willing to see the tangible and intangible benefits of designed outdoor spaces. Landscape architecture is playing a key role in managing water and energy resources, besides improving air quality.” Citing examples of some of her landscaping works, Arati Chari, Principal Landscape Architect, Genius Loci, says that at a Brigade Xanadu 33-acre township in Chennai, a Miyawaki forest runs through the project creating a thick green belt all around. “We also follow the Singaporean 1:1 building concept, which refers to the idea of integrating greenery and landscaping into urban developments in a way that balances built-up areas with green spaces on a 1:1 ratio. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman of the Hiranandani Group, says, “We study the terrain and topography of the project to incorporate strategic landscaping and plantations that prevent natural hazards like waterlogging and improve air quality.” The group has developed themed gardens that are spread across the Hiranandani Parks township.