In the time of climate change and rapid urbanisation the studio explores a new approach to urban landscape design: one that is active and productive rather than ornamental and resource intensive. Gandhinagar is a modern city planned with abundant public spaces and gardens arranged in clean lines, with managed lawns planted with species selected for ornamental effect requiring high maintenance. The spaces are invariably underutilised.

This studio examines an alternative approach to landscape design focussed on creating productive landscape systems in contrast to aesthetically inspired scenery. The approach focuses on natural processes to create resilient ecosystems suited to the climate, habitat and biodiversity creation, recharged water systems, and working with existing land forms with minimum artificial controls while creating attractive usable social spaces.

We will study both the requirements for creating functional public space with an equal focus on regenerative nature conservation. The studio will include lectures, workshops and tutorials on native flora and fauna, landscape aesthetics, ecosystem services and seasonal landscape change. Students will create lively, joyful and productive spaces communicated though sketches renderings and modelling. Through this studio, students will learn about design of public spaces with a focus on leading contemporary thinking about sustainable landscape design practice.

Unit Tutor: Mansi Shah
TA: Shubhangi Saxena
Bachelor of Urban Design, Faculty of Planning, CEPT University
CEPT portfolio: https://portfolio.cept.ac.in/2022/M/fp/eco-warriors-edible-to-productive-landscapes-ur3005-monsoon-2022