WLAM 2023- Walk along Kartavya Path
designed by HCP Design & Shaheer Associates
walk led by Niki Shah, Yogesh Kapoor and Sachin Jain
Date: 22nd April, 2023
Time: 7am – 8:30am
For registration contact: isoladelhichapter@gmail.com
Delhi NCR Chapter - News and Events
WLAM 2023-Walk along Lodhi Road
WLAM 2023 -Walk along Lodhi Road
designed by Studio ATK: walk led by Anjali Kulkarni
Date: 15th April, 2023
Timing 7:00am to 8:30am
For registration contact: isoladelhichapter@gmail.com
Walk along Olympic Boulevard
WLAM 2023: Walk along Olympic Boulevard
Designed by NMP Design
Walk led by Minesh Parikh
Date: 8th April, 2023
Timing 18:00 to 19:30
For registration contact: isoladelhichapter@gmail.com
Past News & Events
Model Landscape Project - Participatory Redevelopment of Kalkaji Main Market.
Model Landscape Project – Participatory Redevelopment of Kalkaji Main Market.
ISOLA Delhi NCR is celebrating this World Landscape Architecture Month by undertaking a market street rejuvenation project. Involving students and practicing professionals the chapter aims to introduce and outreach landscape architecture in public and creating an awareness about our profession through Public exhibition.
The event is an extension of ongoing activity (Jan- March) that involved Site reconnaissance, Public engagement and presentation of Vision to MLA + Stakeholders.
The hard work of the chapter’s dedicated team has paid off with the permission and assurance of support from the concerned agencies. This is one step in forging relationships with the government agencies through this project / submission of report of the Redevelopment proposal.
Dates and details
3rd April (Saturday) 3PM – 5PM (online)
Project brief and design discussion on the analysis and planning of Kalkaji Market street – Zoom Meeting.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81109644663?pwd=THN2ckZ5b0hZQ0kwQ1VLRGZPMnpXdz09
Meeting ID: 811 0964 4663
Passcode: 374836
10th April (Saturday) 3PM – 5PM (Delhi)
Discuss the market redevelopment presentation with the market association (stakeholders meet) – Kalkaji Market Association Hall.
Market street rejuvenation project (Kalkaji)-scheduled on 10.04.2021 at 13:00 hrs to 15:00hrs.
Meeting: Basic Design Development with Stakeholders.
Venue: NAVADYAM RESTAURANT, F-BLOCK, KALKAJI.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/AuxCqFTJ4QaXDthr7
Considering the Covid scenarios there is a cap on the number of participants in person.
Registration:
Kindly register by sending an email to isoladelhichapter@gmail.com before 17:00 hrs on 9th April 2021.
The allotment will be on a first come first serve basis. If your registration is through you will get an email before 10:00 hrs on 10th April 2021.
Facebook live:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006677119042
17th April (Saturday) 3PM – 5PM (Delhi)
Street redevelopment design displayed on the street for public feedback (public exhibition) – Kalkaji Market MLCP.
Come! Be a part of the process! People interested in participating can also write to isoladelhichapter@gmail.com.
6 Webinars - Eco Restoration 2021
The countdown begins!
Please note the brief intro of the eminent speakers for our upcoming Eco restoration event series.
The interactive series of sessions spreads over 3 weeks starting 17th Feb to 6th March 2021.
The event is a preface to the Film festival to be held soon in upcoming months.
Request everyone to check their membership validity and update the same in case lapsed.
In order to register for the event, drop a mail at isoladelhichapter@gmail.com.
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About the Speakers:
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17th February 2021: RAINFOREST, W GHATS
Divya Mudappa & T. R. Shankar Raman from the Nature Conservation Foundation in Mysore, present work they have done over the last two decades restoring fragments of tropical rainforest that lie within private plantations in the Anamalai Hills in the Western Ghats.
They have co-authored: Pillars of Life: Magnificent Trees of the Western Ghats
T.R.Shankar Raman is the author of: The Wild Heart of India: Nature and Conservation in the City, the Country, and the Wild
20th February 2021: ROCKY DESERT, JODHPUR
Pradip Krishen shares insights from his work since 2006 restoring with native desert plants 70 hectares of a volcanic outcrop inside Jodhpur city. Since 2016 he has also created a public Park in 60 hectares of sand dunes banked up against Nahargarh hill in a northern suburb of Jaipur city. He is writing a book about Delhi’s Central Ridge.
He is the author of: Trees of Delhi: A Field Guide
Jungle Trees of Central India: A Field Guide for Tree-Spotters
Abha Mahal Bagh: A Garden of Wild Plants
24th February 2021: HIGH SHOLA GRASSLANDS, NILGIRIS
Godwin Vasanth Bosco has spent the last 9 years working to restore the complex and unique montane grasslands known as the ‘Shola grassland mosaic and cloud forests’ in the Nilgiri Hills, Western Ghats. He shares a perspective gained from work done in attempting to restore this complex of montane grasslands.
He is the author of Voice of a Sentient Highland
Lead Ecologist and Researcher for Upstream Ecology
He has composed a song for nature: Wanna Hear You Sing
28th February 2021: RAINFOREST, EASTERN HIMALAYA
Aparajita Datta & Noopoor Borawake, also from the Nature Conservation Foundation in Mysore, present insights and lessons learnt from their 6-year journey spent restoring a tropical rainforest habitat in Arunachal Pradesh (Eastern Himalaya). Their work has mostly been in degraded patches both within and outside Protected Areas and Tea Estates. Aparajita was awarded the UK’s Whitley Prize for conservation in 2013.
3rd March 2021: REWILDING WASTELANDS, TAMIL NADU
Paul Blanchflower spent his first decade at Auroville planting native trees and in 2000 started work on creating the Auroville Botanical Garden (ABG). Paul leads a Team from the ABG engaged in restoring limestones mines in Pandalgudi, Tamil Nadu. The project will eventually stretch over 800 acres of plantation, landscaping and an ecopark. Paul will talk about how the restoration project has drawn on the experience of Auroville’s re-afforestation programme and research into native species of the Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest (TDEF) of the Coromandel coast.
Paul’s published work includes:
A Tree Planters Guide to the TDEF 1998
Dawn of a Forest: Resurgence 211 2002
Economic species of the TDEF 2004
Discovering the TDEF (poster and booklet) 2004
Tales of the Forest & A Farmer’s Tale: Illustrated children’s stories 2005
Restoration of the Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest of Peninsular India: Journal of Biodiversity 6(1) 2005.
6th March 2021: HILL FOREST, WAYANAD
Suprabha Seshan lives and works in a small community of rainforest gardeners, farmers and rural homesteaders at Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary (GBS) at the edge of a moist forest in Wayanad, Kerala. GBS is actively engaged in community-led conservation and nature education. Suprabha and BGS were recognized for their work as ‘effective grassroots conservation leaders’ with the award of the UK’s Whitley Prize in 2006.
Suprabha is the author of essays in:
The Indian Quarterly How Green is My Forest, Turn off the Lights
The Indian Express: Old Mother Forest, Once Upon a Biome
Scroll: Song of the rain: On the Monsoon trail in the Western Ghats; An Ancient Rainforest in Kerala teaches us What we are losing out in our lonely cities of concrete
A film on GBS’s work: Film by Boris Ersson: Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary…..And the Forest Came Back!
Landscape Presentation for Central Vista by HCP
No Photo Gallery
Landscape Presentation for Central Vista by HCP
Registration is mandatory. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
The Chapter GBM will be held after the said presentation.
Date: 19th December, 2020
Time: 3:30pm – onwards
Register by 18th December for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsceuspjkqE9Sxu9jnZnQCBPL2mUKZo2R8
Contact for Queries: isoladelhichapter@gmail.com
Resilient and inclusive cities II
ISOLA Delhi NCR Chapter presents Fall Series – Green Blue infrastructure session II
The second of this series is on Resilient and inclusive cities: place making around blue-green infrastructure
Date: Saturday, 17th October
Time: 3:00pm- onwards
Resilient and inclusive cities
ISOLA Delhi NCR Chapter presents Fall Series – Green Blue infrastructure session
The first of this series is on Resilient and inclusive cities: place making around blue-green infrastructure, conducted jointly by
Minesh Parikh (Landscape Architect),
Yusuf Arsiwala (Urban Designer),
Sahana Goswami (Urban Planning).
Date: Saturday, 10th October
Time: 3:00pm- onwards
To participate
Link to talk: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85639256251?pwd=U0xtWFd6NjlpTkRzb1doT1BhaGUvUT09
Meeting ID: 856 3925 6251
Passcode: 948319
Contact for Queries
isoladelhichapter@gmail.com
Streetscape
Streetscape
Online Exhibition Series: ISOLA Delhi NCR Chapter
Following the Online exhibition series ‘Wilderness’, ISOLA Delhi NCR chapter invites you for an interactive visual dialogue on the theme of “Streetscape” for the month of August-September.
Send in posts from your street encounters. What were your experiences? Did you capture the moment while walking down the lane? Did you draw/ paint during your trip?
Tell us in one picture what this experience is like for you.Submit a photograph, painting or sketch on the subject via email or by uploading it on the ISOLA Delhi facebook page. The submitted art will be uploaded on the FB activity page by us.
Contact for Queries
isoladelhichapter@gmail.com
Tactical Urbanism
Tactical Urbanism
ISOLA Webinar Series
Hosted by ISOLA Delhi NCR Chapter
Jointly Conducted by: Sujata Hingorani & Anuj Malhotra
Date: 11th July & 1st August, 2020
Time: 2:20pm
ink to video meeting shall be posted on ISOLA Delhi WhatsApp Group
Tactical Urbanism Part II
“Tactical Urbanism Part II” by Landscape Architect Anuj Malhotra.
Urban Formations – Summer Series
This is a follow up session ‘project area’ for the ‘introductory’ session conducted on July 11th 2020.
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Date: 18th July, 2020
To participate
Link to talk: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85328533793?pwd=OG1TZ1FDVStlT0RTYUVGMTg5WU5TZz09
Meeting ID: 853 2853 3793
Password: 364440
Contact for Queries
Monthly Online Exhibition Series
ISOLA Delhi Chapter welcomes you to submit a photograph, painting or sketch on the subject via email or by uploading it on the ISOLA Delhi facebook page.
The submitted art will be uploaded on the FB activity page by us.
The Theme for April is:
“Home Office”
What do you see from your window? What does your desk look like? Is there a tree flowering outside? Do you doodle through zoom meetings? Do your children share your office room for their online school? Do you sneak a break to fix their lunch? Do you miss your coworkers?
Tell us in one picture what this experience is like for you.
Post pictures directly to our wall or email us at isoladelhichapter@gmail.com
Landscape Matters Delhi Chapter Newsletter Summer 2019
Delhi Chapter Newsletter Spring 2020 Released!!
Discussion on Central Vista Development Plan
Central Vista project: An ISOLA + IUDI discussion with Dr. Bimal Patel
Monday, 27th January 2020 at 6:30 in PHD House, New Delhi
A presentation and discussion on the Central Vista project at PHD House, New Delhi on Monday, 27th January, 2020. The meeting was jointly convened by ISOLA, Delhi NCR Chapter and IUDI, Delhi NCR Chapter for members only.
The program began with a presentation by Dr. Bimal Patel, HCP Architects on the proposed scheme. ISOLA President, Sujata Kohli and IUDI member Anurag Chowfla moderated the discussions.
This meeting was a part of the process initiated by the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) to have open consultations with professional bodies and other stakeholders on this project. And in line with the ISOLA’s recommendation to share details with interested professionals and the public.
Check out the video.. Click Here !!
For ISOLA members only!!
INVITATION to Participate at LIGHTSCAPE DESIGN 102
Indian Society of Landscape Architects, Delhi NCR Chapter is honoured to dedicate our Extended Learning Series in the memory of our Guru, Professor Mohammad Shaheer.
This November, as part of this ongoing Learning Series, we invite you to an evening Workshop for outdoor lighting design, “LIGHTSCAPE DESIGN 102” curated by renowned Lighting Designer Linus Lopez, who will talk about outdoor lighting design and share with us his hands- on knowledge about the tools needed to develop outdoor lighting installations.
PROGRAM:
SESSION 01: Presentation + Q&A:
Design Thoughts: Short presentation by Linus Lopez on Lighting Design & and Innovative Thinking. This will be followed by introduction to the groups and task assignment
SESSION 02: Hands-On workshop: 60-90 minutes
Workshop: Working with Eyes+ Hands + Brain
SESSION 03: Composition Sharing: 30-45 minutes
Presentation: Introducing Mr. Light!
SESSION 04: Conclusions: 30-45 minutes
Closing comments on how to tie the various elements together.
The event is being organized, in one of Delhi’s best-known heritage gardens, the Sundar Nursery. Its extended grounds were part of the restoration works undertaken by the Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative, with the landscape Master Plan for environment development being prepared by Shaheer Associates, in close consultation with the CPWD – AKTC project team.
We look forward to your presence and enthusiastic participation.
Date: Friday, 22ndNovember 2019,
Time: 6:00 p.m. sharp
Venue: The Amphitheatre, Sundar Nursery Gardens, Nizamuddin West, New Delhi
Entry by Registration only.
Registration Charges:
ISOLA Members and Non ISOLA Student members Rs. 500/-
Student ISOLA members Rs. 200/
Please mark your calendars and do RSVP to confirm your attendance/ registration confirmation via email to isoladelhichapter@gmail.com
ISOLA Delhi Chapter is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/ISOLA-delhi-chapter-online. Please do follow, share and contribute to our social media presence. We look forward to engaging within the landscape architecture fraternity.
Please note that the event will be preceded by the ISOLA Chapter meeting which is being organised at the same venue and an hour before the event.
Looking forward to a great evening,
Best regards,
| Jasleen Waraich | Chhitiz Gupta |
| Honorary Chairperson |
Honorary Secretary |
| ISOLA Delhi NCR Chapter |
ISOLA Delhi NCR Chapter |
Newsletter Monsoon 2019
No Photo Gallery
Delhi Chapter Monsoon 2019 Newsletter Released!!
Towards A Blue Green City
Towards A Blue Green City
ISOLA Delhi NCR Chapter’s Extended Learnings One-O-One Series | Water In The City 101
Venue:
Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
Date:
Saturday, 13th July, 2019
Time:
Afternoon 3:00 pm – 6:00pm
Newsletter Summer 2019
No Photo Gallery
Newsletter Released!!
Learnings Unlearnings: Revisiting Landscapes
Venue: Modi Hall, PHD Chamber of Commerce, August Kranti Marg, New Delhi
Date: 30th March, 2019
Time: 3:00pm
Cultural Landscapes: Sacred Landscapes in India
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Our first ISOLA Delhi Chapter walk of this season to the forest of Mangarbani, showed us how landscapes are invested with meanings, and the role ecology plays, in the establishment of a Sacred Forest.
Cultural Landscapes of a region describe an ‘intellectual landscape’; a landscape that consists of a collection of spiritual, cultural and corporeal meanings ascribed to its geographical components, through collective memory, rooted in the place, and shaping the ground in real world and real time. Such landscapes are always in active engagement with communities over generations, empowering and transforming nature and land, from physical to the metaphysical. These Landscapes are then perceived as Sacred.
The Delhi Chapter of the Indian Society of Landscape Architects (ISOLA) cordially invites you to Cultural Landscapes: Sacred Landscapes in India, an Afternoon event being held on the 8th of December, 2018 at the INTACH MULTIPURPOSE HALL, Lodhi Road.
The talks and presentations being planned at this event by prominent speakers and also some young graduates with backgrounds in Conservation, Landscape Architecture, History and Research, will explore, how geography has formed the canvas on which the Indian sacred-perspectives and traditional knowledge, were conceptualised, practised and celebrated. The talks will also discuss how conflicts arise and could be addressed in our land of immense cultural plurality and diversity. These conflicts create an ever-changing and dynamic relationship that are usually at cross purpose, and impact our natural resources adversely.
The details of the speakers are as follows:
| 1. Professor Amita Sinha | Ghats on the Ganga in Varanasi: A Sustainable Design Approach. |
| 2. Dr.Yaaminey Mubayi | Water and Sacred Landscapes in Ellora-Khuldabad-Daulatabad. |
| 3. Dr. Shikha Jain | Kanzhendzona Associative Tibetan Buddhism landscape (world heritage site), Ajmer- Dargah and cityscape, Pushkar -Brahma Temple and Sarovar. |
| 4. Shubhangi Desai & Baitaliki Sarkar | Studio Work by M.L.Arch 2018 Batch on Govardhan Parbat. |
The presentations will be followed by a Panel discussion chaired by Professor AGK Menon.
| Venue | INTACH MULTIPURPOSE HALL, Lodhi Road |
| 3-00 to 3-30 pm | Delhi Chapter meeting for ISOLA members. |
| 3-30 to 6pm | Main Event |
Please block this afternoon and join us for an invigorating session of talks by some amazing speakers
Kindly note that the Delhi Chapter meeting will be held just before our event (with a short Tea Break between the two), You are cordially invited to participate in the DC Meeting (Separate Notice and Invites being sent for same).
Warm Regards
| Jasleen Waraich | Chhitiz Gupta |
| Honorary Chairperson |
Honorary Secretary |
| ISOLA Delhi NCR Chapter |
ISOLA Delhi NCR Chapter |
Delhi's Last Sacred Grove
ISOLA WALK
27th October, 2018
THEME: SACRED GROVE
LOCATION: MANGARBANI FOREST
Delhi’s Last Sacred Grove
ISOLA Delhi Chapter invites you to explore Mangarbani, Delhi’s last Sacred Grove. Will the unchecked expansion of Delhi Ncr swallow this ancient forest, now on the brink of extinction?
lightSpace Design One o One
ISOLA Delhi Chapter invites you to
lightSpace design
One o One
Curated by lighting designers:
Vinayak Diwan
Harmeet Singh Issar
Date: 25th August 2018
Time: 5:30pm
Venue:
PHD Chamber of Commerce,
August Kranti Marg,
New Delhi
Newsletter June 2018
No Photo Gallery
Delhi Chapter NEWSLETTER Released!
Convergence 2018: Landscape Design Narratives
The Delhi Chapter of the Indian Society of Landscape Architects (ISOLA) cordially invites you to Convergence 2018: Landscape Design Narratives, an evening event being held on the 31st of March, at the India Habitat Centre.
The talks and presentations being planned at this event will attempt to explore the sources of inspiration and their transformation into ideas in the work of five outstanding designers.
A story of the initial divergence of ideas, the untold narratives of inner discussions and explorations that eventually converge towards the final creation. Our event is about these stories of convergence, often as intriguing as the landscapes themselves.
The 5 designers are
| Savita Punde | Landscape Architect, Delhi |
| Sujata Kohli | Landscape Architect, Delhi |
| Viraj Chatterjee | Landscape Architect, Hong Kong |
| Robert Verrijt |
Brio Architects, Mumbai |
| Manish Gulati | Architect, Delhi |
Walk Series Spring 2018
ISOLA Delhi NCR Chapter warmly invites all members to it’s Walk Series for the spring of 2018.
3rd February, 2018
Red Fort Walk led by Dr. Priyaleen Singh
24th February, 2018
Aravalli Bio Diversity Park led by Vijay Dhasmana
17th February, 2018
Sundar Nursery Walk led by Ratish Nanda with Padmavati Dwivedi
ISOLA Delhi Ncr 1st Idea Design Competition 2017
ISOLA Delhi Chapter is happy to announce its first IDEA DESIGN COMPETITION for students and graduate Isola members on a live site in collaboration with Delhi Development Authority , supported by Mosaico Corporation.
The competition invites students to put forth their interpretations for the landscape design of an upcoming Transit Hub in Sector 9, Dwarka, Delhi. It is an attempt to understand how landscape design can help reclaim this city for people and how one can look at transit spaces beyond their role as movement corridors.
The challenge for participants is to re-examine this fragmented urban landscape and consider it instead as a resource, bringing creative and open interpretations to it so that it becomes a nodal hub, a destination for its users and visitors. We invite teams to share their vision for how such public spaces can be more strongly linked (both physically and in the perceptions of the users) with their neighboring communities and their existing natural and cultural resources.
TIMELINES
| October 14, 2017: | Competition announced on ISOLA website |
| November 30, 2017: | Last date for competition related enquiries |
| December 7, 2017: | Clarifications on ISOLA website |
| February 5, 2018: | Extended Last Date of Submission of Entries |
| Date of Jury – To be announced soon | |
| Announcement of Results – To be announced soon |
ISOLA Delhi Ncr Idea Design Competition Brochure 2017 - PDF
ISOLA Delhi Ncr Idea Design Competition 2017 Registration Form - PDF
ISOLA Delhi Ncr Idea Design Competition 2017 - SITE DETAILS - PDF
RESPONSE TO QUERIES AS OF 30.11.17 - PDF
ISOLA Delhi Ncr Idea Design Competition 2017 - AUTOCAD FILE - PDF
Seminar - Transport Oriented Development - Role of Landscape in Shaping the New Urbanism
ISOLA Delhi Chapter is organising a Seminar on Transport Oriented Development (TOD) and the Role of Landscape Architecture in Shaping the New Urbanism and the creation of Resilient cities on the 7th of October this year.
Theme : TOD- ROLE OF LANDSCAPE IN SHAPING THE NEW URBANISM
Transportation corridors and facilities are major components of the nation’s landscape and public realm. The alignment, scale, and character of our thoroughfares play an integral role in determining urban form, development patterns, and importantly, also what we call a sense of place.
In particular we wish to explore how integrating comprehensive transportation planning with natural systems analysis and land use planning is essential for creating livable communities in sustainable environments. In Delhi , over the years, ever-expanding suburban fringe development and flyover building that entrenches and intensifies car-dependency has meant an ever-growing percentage of city areas are being set aside to build roads. This has resulted in the deterioration in city character, environment and liveablity.
Does the answer lie in TOD and the New Urbanism it champions? This is an idea that has captured the imagination of many, in particular the city planners community as an important comprehensive tool for a more sustainable urban life.
Urbanism or Landscape Urbanism: which will serve our cities better? We do hope to get answers to some of these and other related issues through the presentations and panel discussions being planned for the event . We also hope to examine the potential for Indian cities to develop visions for transit-oriented futures in a democratic framework in terms of both design quality and resilience. The quality of urbanity created or enhanced by design intervention and the socio-spatial resilience embodied in high levels of urban amenity are also vital to consider in any TOD.
Remembering Prof Shaheer
This year end, ISOLA (Indian Society of Landscape Architects) Delhi Chapter is paying a tribute to Professor M. Shaheer through 2 events at his cherished project sites.
Following the event at the Sanskriti Kendra, Anandgram, Delhi, we are pleased to announce the second event, a visit to the Soka Bodhi Tree Garden, at Khurd Bilaspur, Off NH-8, Near Manesar, Haryana on Saturday, 17th of December, 2016.
This will be a wonderful opportunity for us to understand the philosophy of Buddhism as applied in the Garden which has been designed by Professor Shaheer.
Travel to the venue will be by Bus. This excursion (8am-5pm) will have the following:
• Short talk on the Garden and its philosophy, presented by Suneet Mohindru & Kavita Jain
• Walks around the main areas of the garden.
• Opportunities to explore the agrarian landscapes.
• Informal sketching session guided by Mahafuj Ali.
• Tea, Packed lunch
Participation is by registration only. Invite is open to all ISOLA members, their families and select invitees (Max 3 invitees per member) and to students of M.L.Arch
Participation cost is Rs. 1200/- ( Rs 600/- children and M.LArch students) . Details attached below.
Please do RSVP to confirm your attendance mentioning the names of your guests via email to rsvpevents.isoladelhichapte r@gmail.com giving the details of payment as outlined.
Contact persons: Sujata Hingorani & Nidhi Madan
Join us on this trip. Explore this beautiful garden and understand how it reflects the spiritual philosophy of Buddhism.
Registration is by first come first serve basis. Hurry! 7 more days to go and Only 15 seats left!!!
We are going to share the bus route very soon to participants who have already registered.
Remembering Prof Shaheer
Professor Mohammad Shaheer left behind an enormous legacy for the landscape profession in India; his huge body of work will always exemplify the very best in landscape design, his writings are enduring and his inheritance continues through the many students taught by him.
This November and December, ISOLA (Indian Society of Landscape Architects) Delhi Chapter is paying a tribute to Professor M.Shaheer through a series of events at his cherished project sites.
REMEMBERING PROF.SHAHEER: A tribute is the first event at the Sanskriti Kala Kendra, Anandgram, New Delhi.
The event will begin with a talk by Dr. Priyaleen Singh on “Culture, Tradition, and Contemporary Indian Landscape Design: Mohammad Shaheer” at Sanskriti Kendra Auditorium.
This will be followed by a Walk around Sanskriti Kendra followed by a short visual presentation on Professor Shaheer.
Please do RSVP to confirm your attendance via email to rsvpevents.isoladelhichapter@gmail.com
Walk Series 2016-17
The ISOLA Delhi NCR Chapter Walk Series returns for the third time. As the weather in Delhi makes the outdoors inviting, the walks provides members and friends to step out on weekend mornings. The walks are held every two or three weeks and runs for about two hours. The walks arre a good opportunity for ISOLA members to explore the city through the eyes of senior landscape architects, architects and environmentalists. From historic precincts to designed parks, from an established forest to a nascent planned one, the series is a journey of discovery and engagement.
The first walk was held on October 1st, Saturday, 2016, with environmentalist Vijay Dhasmana through the Aravalli Biodiversity Park. Over the years, this walk has seen the emerging forest develop and grow, much to our delight.
The schedule for the rest of the series will be updated shortly. If you are interested in participating in a walk, do email us at rsvpevents.isoladelhichapter@gmail.com.
Eco Tourism and Eco Resorts: Opportunities, Challenges and the Way Forward
Talks By Hitesh Mehta & Dean D’Cruz.
The event “Eco Tourism and Eco Resorts: Opportunities, Challenges and the Way Forward” was organized at the India International Centre on the 23rd of July, 2016. It was the first in a series of events leading up to the 2017 ISOLA Annual Conference in Goa focusing on ‘Changing Climates and Evolving Landscapes’.
Hitesh Mehta, Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects (FASLA) from Florida, is a landscape architect with over 28 years of experience in Sustainable Ecotourism.
Dean D’Cruz, a Partner and Principal Architect in Mozaic Design Combine based in Goa, is involved in Urban Intervention, Architecture, Conservation, Product and Graphic Design.
The speakers through their presentations and panel discussion thereafter delved into innovations in design and operations of Eco-resorts and attempts to restore and protect our planet’s biodiversity in order to prevent land degradation, ecosystem imbalance, and food insecurity.The two presentations explored the symbiotic and complex relationship between the environment and tourism and translating this philosophy into appropriate policy, careful planning and tactful practicum.
Conference on 'Architects and the Smart City Mission'
Conference, Northern Chapter, The Indian Institute Of Architects(2016)
The Northern Chapter, The Indian Institute of Architects, in partnership with IIA Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and UP & Uttarakhand Chapters, organised a Northern Regional Conference – “Architects and the Smart City Mission” at PHD Chambers of Commerce, Khel Gaon Marg, New Delhi on the 11th & 12th of April 2016, to evolve strategies for a wider participation of architects in the Smart City Mission.
The objective of the conference was to provide a platform for professionals, academicians & industry to come together through research & practice to jointly evolve appropriate solutions to support the smart cities of the future.
The event was supported by ISOLA, and ISOLA Delhi Chapter members Minesh Parikh and Sujata Hingorani were speakers and ChairpersonJasleenWaraich participated in the panel discussion. The conference ended with a joint road map drafted by all the partner organisations in the conference which outlined the course of action for the year ahead. The event was attended by over a 350 participants. As a collaborative event, it marked the beginning of a new alliance to address common concerns.
Pecha Kucha Sessions: The Road Less Travelled
The third in a series of 20×20 sessions over two years, The Road less Travelled was held at the India International Centre on 1st of April, 2016. The five presentations on tours from across the world showcased how cities with violent histories adapt and evolve to changing circumstances, the vibrant architecture and streetscapes of a Columbian metropolis, open spaces of New York, the works of Sri Lanka’s most influential architect, and landscape as living spaces in the floating neighbourhoods and economies in Srinagar.
Presenters:
| Sonali Bhagwati | Eastern Europe and Pakistan |
| Nandita Parikh | Works of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka |
| Savita Punde | Gardens of New York |
| Pradeep Sachdeva | Bogota, Colombia |
| Gurmeet and Raghu Rai | Floating Neighbourhoods, Srinagar |
Annual Walk Series 2015-2016
The ISOLA Delhi NCR Chapter Walk Series ran from September 2015-March 2016. It took place on weekend mornings, every two or three weeks and ran for about two hours. The walks were a good opportunity for ISOLA members to explore the city through the eyes of senior landscape architects, architects and environmentalists. From historic precincts to designed parks, from an established forest to a nascent planned one, the series is a journey of discovery and engagement.
| 1. | Aravalli Biodiversity Forest (Mr. Vijay Dhasmana) on 26th Sep, 2015, Saturday |
| 2. | Red Fort (Dr.Priyaleen Singh) on 1st November 2015, Sunday |
| 3. | Hauz Khas Complex (Ms. Nupur Prothi Khanna) on 21st November, 2015, Saturday |
| 4. | Yamuna Biodiversity Park (Dr.Faiyaz Khudsar) on 5th December, 2015, Saturday |
| 5. | Garden of Five Senses (Mr. Pradeep Sachdeva) on 30th January, 2016, Saturday |
| 6. | Raj Ghat and Shakti Sthal (Prof. Samir Mathur) on 12th March, 2016, Saturday |
Annual Walk Series 2014-2015
From October 2014- March 2015, the ISOLA Delhi NCR Chapter Walk Series took place on weekend mornings, every two or three weeks and ran for about two hours. The walks were a good opportunity for ISOLA members to explore the city through the eyes of senior landscape architects, architects and environmentalists. From historic precincts to designed parks, from an established forest to a nascent planned one, the series was a journey of discovery and engagement.
| 1. | Garden of Five Senses (Mr. Pradeep Sachdeva) on 2nd Nov, 2014, Sunday |
| 2. | Lodhi Heritage Area (Prof. Samir Mathur) on 15th Nov, 2014 Saturday |
| 3. | Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site (Prof. Mohammad Shaheer & Mr.Ratish Nanda) on 29th Nov, 2014, Saturday |
| 4. | Central Ridge (Mr. Vijay Dhasmana) on 14th Dec, 2014, Sunday |
| 5. | Safdarjung Tomb and Gardens (Dr.Priyaleen Singh) on 10th Jan, 2014, Saturday |
| 6. | Aravalli Biodiversity Forest (Mr. Vijay Dhasmana) on 14th Feb, 2014, Saturday |
Working in Mumbai
A Talk By Prof. Rahul Mehrotra (2015)
In an attempt to contribute to the vision of the government towards building an equitable and sustainable urban environment, ISOLA is committed to engage with thinkers and practitioners who can ‘make a difference’ to Indian cities. ISOLA, Delhi-NCR hosted a talk ‘Working in Mumbai’ by Prof. Rahul Mehrotra , Chair of the Department of Urban Design and Planning at the Graduate School of Design, Harvard University, on July 25th, 2015 at the India International Centre. Prof. Mehrotra reflected on the city and described how he came to make several critical choices in his work to address the times and attitudes expressed in a paralyzing multiplicity of architectural influences.
Pecha Kucha Sessions: Travels (2014) and Travels 2 (2015)
In keeping, with a year-long endeavour to capture a sense of place, (the theme of the 9th Annual National Conference) albeit on a lighter note, a 20X20 session was hosted with the GBM at the IIC Annexe on December 18th , 2014, evening. It is a presentation style wherein 20 slides are shown for 20 seconds each (six minutes and 40 seconds in total), the format, allows presentations to be concise and fast-paced, allowing multiple presentations in a short span of time.
The enthusiastic response to ‘Travels’, on December 18th, 2014 led to its sequel ‘Travels 2’ on 9th March 2015. The sessionsincluded inspired presentations on a whirlwind tour across the world from the bustling metropolises to sunny beaches, the countryside and historic pilgrimage sites. With much to ponder and pause about the ways cities integrate multimodal transit; landscapes engage within and without; the journey of the humble tomato; shades of green; and, context and common sense.
Presenters:
| Akshay Kaul | Fragile Ecologies – Kashmir Floods 2014 |
| Ayla Khan | Jodhpur and Jaisalmer: In the land of blue and golden cities |
| Bhavika Mehta | Barcelona: Many Faces, Many Lives |
| Minesh Parikh | The Story of The High Line |
| Nikhil Dhar | New Delhi 110016: some lesser-known monuments |
| Priyamvada Bugga | Living on the Edge – A perception |
| Shree Naik | Graphite Walks |
| Sujata Kohli | Travel to Kailash Mansarover |
| Sushil Khandelwal | Those Wondrous Kilometers: Landscapes of Ladakh |
| Vijay Dhasmana | Threatened Wilderness of the NCR |
| Abhishek Sharma | Pasticulture- Campo de Dalias |
| Aditya Advani | Fifty Shades of Green |
| Lucas Rocha | Travels through Croatia |
| Jasleen Waraich | Dilli Meri Jaan |
| Madhup Mazumdar | Floating Mountains |
| Nupur Prothi Khanna | Culture, Context and Common Sense |
| Pankaj Jain | The Holy Land |
| Pratima Marwah | Resorts of Phuket and Sri Lanka |
| Samir Mathur | Journeys Within and Without |
| Santosh George | Singapore Landscapes |
| Sujata Hingorani | Multimodal Integration |
Reading the Historic Landscape: A collaboration with ICOMOS India
A collaboration between ISOLA Delhi NCR Chapter and ICOMOS India (National Scientific Committee on Cultural Landscapes), the event ‘Reading the Historic Landscape‘ was held on Saturday, 27th September 2014 at the India International Centre (IIC) Annexe.
The half day event explored unique perspectives in reading, comprehending and engaging with the context with experts from realms other than our own to absorb the nuances of natural, cultural and historic landscapes and to set the stage for an the exchange of ideas and between landscape architects, heritage conservationists and associated disciplines.
It included a distinguished panel of a cartographer, Dr.ManosiLahiri; an ecologist, Dr P.S. Ramakrishnan; and an urbanist, Dr.Jyoti Hosagrahar.
In a short but intense journey into the natural with the footprint of the cultural two poignant movies by filmmaker Sushmit Ghosh were played– Timbaktu and Dilli. The planning and organization was led by one of Delhi Chapter Members, Ms. Nupur Prothi Khanna, ably supported by the ISOLA Delhi managing committee, students and volunteers.
The event was attended by over a hundred-and-twenty eight participants. The coming together of the disciplines of map-making, ecology and historic revitalisation made this session quite meaningful. The presence of professionals and students ensured the discussion was well rounded with takeaways for all levels of experience and exposure.
Confluence 2013
Confluence was hosted by the ISOLA Delhi NCR Chapter and the Institute of Urban Designers, India in association with the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi on Saturday, March 2nd, 2013 at the India Habitat Centre. Confluence 2013 brought together a diversity of planning and design professionals including landscape architects, urban designers, architects, and allied professionals, in an effort towards addressing contemporary concerns in the creation, place-making and preservation of healthy living environments. With an attendance of over 250 professionals, and an illustrious group of presenters and panelists, the day-long event was a much lauded attempt to bridge the divide between disciplines.
Sacred Water
Session1:
Water as a Priceless Resource
Dr Vikram Soni
Symbolism and Culture
Jatin Das / Morna Livingston
Session 2 :
Water as renewable resource
Farhad Contractor
Water in contemporary landscape design
Varsha Gavandi / Anuj Malhotra
Panel Discussions
M. Shaheer / Nupur Prothi Khanna / Speakers from sesioons 1 & 2
The Tree & the City
Discussion
At Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Center, New Delhi
Landscape, Public Art & the City
Indian Society of Landscape Architects Delhi NCR Chapter organized a discussion forum on the theme of Landscape, Public Art & the City in December recently. The focus of the theme was Landscape Art as a message and the reactions and engagement of people with landscape and public art. The guest speakers were from diverse disciplines of art, design and architecture including Pooja Sood, curator, contemporary art consultant, and director ‘KHOJ’; Amardeep Behl, artist; Pradeep Sachdeva, architect, involved in designing areas falling in public realm; Sudipto Ghosh, architect; Nandita Parikh, landscape architect; Arunava Dasgupta, architect and urban designer; and architect Vineet Kacker among others.
The presentations included a showcase of the works of art in parts of the country, case study of the public art festival ‘48 deg Public Art Ecology’ that was held in December 2008 in Delhi and also examples of such works from other countries. Various design aspects of public arts like engagement of observer and the environment and symbolism were also discussed during the forum is context of specific works by the speakers. Other issues discussed included the importance and significance of public art, making it more relevant, visible and meaningful.It was felt that it needs to be a collaborative process that should engage artists, art curators, designers, planners, citizens and agencies. Moreover, it should be conceptually and thematically responsive to its site and environs.
Chapter Initiatives– 2012-16
Meeting To Discuss Amendments To Architects’ Act (May 2014)
With reference to MHRD Order F.No. 4-52/2013-TS.VI issued on March 6th, 2014 regarding Constitution of a Committee to examine the comprehensive amendments in the Architects Act, 1972 as suggested by the Council of Architecture (COA), ISOLA Delhi Chapter sought to call attention to the significantly expanding role of Landscape Architecture Profession in India that requires distinct and specialized attention in the Act.
Currently, the Architects Act of 1972 covers the rules, regulations, scope of work and fee for the profession of Landscape Architecture in India. In the present context, the profession has matured, yet the Act does not comprehensively address the scope and magnitude of development and critical natural and physical resources the professional community engages with.
Mr. Sudhir Vohra was invited to discuss amendments to the architect's act and statutory requirements for isola to become a professional body. Mr. Vohra appraised the members that landscape architecture was excluded in the original Architect's Act, 1971 and the COA proposes to specifically list it as an exclusion, just like Urban Design, Interiors etc in the proposed amendment to Architect's Act. He further explained that COA is unlikely to change its stand hence any effort that landscape architects wish to make have to be made by them collectively on their own or under the ambit of ISOLA.
Mr. Vohra also made a presentation at the ISOLA AGM in Ahmedabad in August 2014, for the larger ISOLA membership.
Response To Report On The “Lutyens Bungalow Zone (LBZ) - Boundary And Development Guidelines DUAC (Delhi Urban Arts Commission), July 2015)
Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC) proposed redefining the LBZ boundaries, to exclude later residential development, in Lutyen’s Bungalow Zone- Boundary and Development Guidelines”, submitted to the Ministry of Urban Development (Delhi Division) in 2015.
The areas recommended to be excluded from the LBZ comprise the transition area developments between the historic Lutyen’s Delhi, and the MPD areas administered by MCD, and the Central Ridge. Green corridors along the ridge, Sardar Patel Marg, and Panchsheel Marg as well as heritage precincts of Lodi Road, Aurangzeb and Prithviraj roads are key alignments from historic times that predate Lutyen’s Delhi. Their inclusion in the LBZ allowed architectural as well as historic street alignment, plantation and street design to define these important axes, within street, and edge controls.
In the DUAC report, area of cultural value shown is limited to the Rajpath corridor and the original scheme, not the wider footprint of the LBZ.
The Indian Society of Landscape Architects (ISOLA) Delhi Chapter reviewed the Report onLutyens Bungalow Zone- Boundary and Development Guidelines”, submitted to the Ministry of Urban Development (Delhi Division), and issued for inviting objections/suggestions on 28th August, 2015.
As per the new Guidelines the character of the LBZ would change dramatically (to its detriment), with significant impact on the environment and character of Central Delhi. ISOLA Delhi Chapter submitted observations and objections to the report, prepared by DUAC for due consideration, through a landscape heritage perspective.
Press Mentions:
http://indianexpress.com/article/delhi/hardlook-in-the-works-cut-to-fit-development/
http://indianexpress.com/article/delhi/dont-mess-with-delhis-urban-history-appeal-conservationists/
ISOLA Delhi Chapter Memorabilia (2016)
Based on the graphics designed by Mahafuj Ali for the Delhi Walk Series, T-Shirts, a Sipper and Mugs were designed to be made available for donations at the ISOLA conference in Bangalore and thereafter. This endeavor by ISOLA Delhi Chapter was a step towards creating some visibility for ISOLA. And, to create memorabilia for members to take home and share!
200 mugs (of HauzKhas, Safdarjung Tomb, Garden of 5 Senses and Central Ridge), 150 sippers and 200 T-Shirts were made available for donation at the ISOLA conference in Bangalore in January and at the Garden of Five Senses walk in Delhi in February.
Response to the memorabilia has been very positive and encouraging, with wonderful feedback from all- particularly for the sippers. At the conference, a number of members were eager to contribute their graphics to the initiative for the future.
