Portfolio Chirag Chheda
Selected Landscape Works
Resonating Relations, Lambton Park, UK
Pages - 01-02
“Otter”ing The Wetland, Gateshead,UK
Pages - 03-04
DLF IT Park, Chennai, India
Pages - 16-18
Miscellaneous, Working Drawings
Pages - 19-21
The Commoning, Gateshead,UK
Taj Tadoba Resort & Spa, Nagpur, India
Ashoka University, Haryana, India Pages - 10-11
EIT Competition, Ningbo City, China
Pages - 12-15
Academic Workshops, NCL - VIE
Pages - 22
Photography- Capturing Moments
Pages - 23
Group 5- Kazusa Hayashi, Shihan Wang, Ateeqa Chaudhari, Adrian Yee, Chirag Chheda
Resonating Relations
Lambton Park, UK Design Thesis
MLA Stage 2
Lambton Park, part of the Lambton estate designed by Ignatius Bonami with contributions from Sydney Smirke and Henry Leighton, was commissioned by the 1st Earl of Durham. My Design Thesis, a sonic exploratory trail, highlights the park’s soundscape through biophony, geophony, and anthrophony. Biophony includes sounds from flora, fauna, and other organisms. Geophony covers natural sounds like wind, rivers, and waterfalls. Anthrophony, or technophony, involves human-made sounds like traffic and urban noise. Centrally located among towns such as Washington, Birtley, Bournmoor, and Chester-Le-Street, Lambton Park becomes a focal point and an attractive hinterland to explore and resonate with nature. This trail fosters awareness of our relationship with non-human species and biodiversity through an acoustic walk.
The conceptual model shows the relation between three Sonic Sources - Biophony,Geophony and Anthrophony and below thew wave like form is the aural texture of these sources which resonates the relation between the soundscapes of this park.
These are the part of my narrative development of my thesis which has layers of sound surveys (onomatopoeia, Sonic map), various opportunites, constraints, designing iterations of the sonic trail.
06 - DETAIL PLAN
KEY/LEGEND
RESONATING RELATIONS
DETAIL PLAN I SCALE - 1:200
This is the 1:200 detailed action plan, which was an integral part of our design thesis brief. It shows the different materials used for this trail, which immensely influence the sonic journey of the park. Additionally, it illustrates the variation in levels along this trail.
“OTTER”ING THE WETLAND
Gateshead, UK
Academic Work,MLA Stage 1
This landscape design project was introduced in our first year of Masters Of Landscape Architecture. It was a group project where the main task was to provide a habitat for chosen native species(for us it were ‘Eurasian Otters’). Our focus was also to enhance and compliment the existing riverside park.
Existing Site View
Riverside area can serve as a space where we can establish wetland habitat which will improve the biodiversity of the site. River island is introduced to diverge and slow down the river flow which will create a wetland habitat
Selected plant species in wetland habitat will help in purifying river water by absorbing heavy metals and excessive component like nitrogen, and creates a fresh ecosystem for Otters and other species.
Great Reedmace (Typha latifolia)
Common Reed (Phragmites australis)
Alder Tree (Alnus glutinosa)
Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)
Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)
Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
Otters habitat thriving on the proposed river island
Illustrated bird eye view of the proposed island
THE COMMONING
Gateshead, UK Academic Work,MLA Stage 2
Derived from the word ‘common’, commoning refers to the close proximity that peo- ple (in our case multispecies) live in and use a common space to sustain themselves.
O U R A G E N T : M O S S
Hi, Humans!
I am Moss, an ancient ancestor of all plants. I come from the kingdom of Bryophytes.
I am non-vascular, non-flowering. Unfortunately, I lack the intricate conducting channels that facilitate the transportation of water and nutrients. I also do not have any roots! I am an indispensable part of the intricate ecosystems that exist on this world.
Moss have an intricate web of relationships within nature. They contribute to soil formation and stabilization, prevent erosion, and retain water in ecosystems. They exhibit unique characteristics and adaptations; from the lush forests to the arid deserts. Understanding the diversity of moss would help maintain ecological balance and contributing to the overall biodiversity of our planet.
“A recent study by an Australian research team found that mosses are the lifeblood of habitats around the world, with plants and soil in better shape almost everywhere they grow.” ores instead of seeds. Due to their small size and dense structure, mosses are able to absorb pollutants while retaining moisture and nutrients efficientl These characteristics enable mosses to colonize and thrive in diverse habitats, ranging from arctic tundras to tropical rainforests
Furthermore, moss is favored by wet, poorly drained, compacted or shady conditions. their presence is encouraged by a lack of aeration, low fertility, over-acidity of the soil, very wet conditions, excessive shade and very close mowing.
TYPES OF MOSS SPECIES ON SITE
The Commoning project transforms a former brownfield site (Clasper Village) in Gateshead into a multifunctional ecological and communal landscape. Guided by the concept of ‘commoning,’ the design emphasizes coexistence between humans and biodiversity. Key interventions include creating diverse habitats like wetlands, rocky moss gardens, and open mosaic zones, each supporting local flora and fauna while fostering community interaction. The site integrates phytoremediation techniques to restore soil health and incorporates seasonal planting strategies to maintain ecological vibrancy. Thoughtful connectivity ensures seamless integration with the surrounding urban fabric, while long-term management plans engage the community in the site’s ongoing transformation
hornum
Moss Trail
Open Mosaic Habitat Area
Moss Area
Group
Kazusa Hayashi, Shihan Wang, Ateeqa Chaudhari, Adrian Yee, Chirag Chheda
Group 5- Kazusa Hayashi, Shihan Wang, Ateeqa Chaudhari, Adrian Yee, Chirag Chheda
A- Wetland Area:
Create paths and uneven terrain with mounds and dents.
B- Open Mosaic area: Create paths and uneven terrain with mounds and dents.
C- Community garden area: Demolish the existing asphalt and plant for phytoremediation, such as alfalfa and mustard.
D- Meadows garden: Prepare the site by removing existing vegetation and improving soil conditions.
(E,F,G)- Mature Street trees:
Trim branches for crown raising to avoid constraints with traffic on the road.
H- Rocky Moss area: Identify areas with low light pollution where glow worms can thrive.
Introduce moss spores or transplant moss fragments onto the designated rocks. Mist the moss regularly to facilitate establishment.
I- Tapestry area: Conduct pruning during the appropriate season for the grass species.
A. - Monitoring water quality and removal of invasive species that might affect the wetland.
B- apply human intervention, such as changing terrain, cutting down mature bushes and leaving them on site.
C. - Remove phytoremediation plants, apply compost soil and open community garden.
D - Timing for cuts should be as per flowering season or as appropriate for the specific species.
(E,F,G) - Begin to restore damaged or dying trees by considering replanting or habitat restoration
I - Implement a regular pruning schedule to shape plants and maintain a neat appearance.
Consider plants that attract pollinators and support local wildlife.
Incorporate a regular pruning schedule for both ornamental grasses and perennial flowers.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming.
A- Plant Marginal plants around the dents
B- Replant bush species, such as dogrose snowberries, hazels, and butterfly bushes, exist on the site.
C- Invite residents to the site through workshops and events and nurture their engagement.
(E,F,G)- Retain all dead wood on site as it is a source of food and shelter to multiple species.
H- Water moss regularly for moisture. Monitor for unwanted vegetation that may compete with mosses. Remove invasive plants carefully to avoid disturbing mosses.
I - Incorporate a mix of early, mid-season, and late-blooming perennials for continuous interest. If the grassland is too dense, selectively thin out some clumps to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.
A- Monitoring water quality and removal of invasive species that might affect the wetland.
B- Apply human intervention, such as changing terrain, cutting down mature bushes and leaving them on site.
C- Promote community engagement to the site management.
D- Thin out crowded areas to allow for better air circulation.
(E,F,G) - Creating holes for birds or insects or placement of hollow log on tress to invite bugs and insects to enhance biodiversity. Review the effectiveness of the strategy plan and make adjustments if required.
H- Engage the community with tours and educational events. Encourage community respect for the habitat.
Monitor the health of mosses and glow worm niches.
I - Engage the local community in the project, organizing educational events or workshops. Encourage community members to participate in maintenance activities. Introduce additional features like birdhouses, water sources, or insect hotels to enhance wildlife habitat
TAJ TADOBA RESORT & SPA
NAGPUR, INDIA Professional Work,
(Internship,2022)
Located near the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Taj Tadoba Resort offers a unique blend of luxury and nature-inspired design. Collaborating within a team, the landscape design focused on creating an immersive environment that celebrates local flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. Key goals included enhancing guest experiences with sustainable, eco-sensitive elements like shaded pathways, indigenous plantings, and naturalistic water features. The project fosters a strong connection to nature, allowing guests to experience the tranquility of Tadoba’s landscape in harmony with the luxurious amenities.
The landscape plans for Taj Tadoba’s villas incorporate carefully selected plant species to create a lush, biodiverse setting around each villa. Using native and drought-resistant species, the planting design supports sustainable water use while maintaining the resort’s aesthetic appeal. The landscape plan integrates seamlessly with the built environment, featuring shaded lounging areas, villa-centric pathways, and intimate outdoor spaces that enhance privacy and provide scenic views. These elements contribute to an atmosphere that reflects the ecological richness of the Tadoba region
Detailed plans and visualizations of key resort amenities showcase Taj Tadoba’s commitment to a cohesive design that merges luxury with nature. The pool area, arrival block, and public buildings are strategically designed to offer guests an engaging yet serene experience. With indigenous plantings, water bodies, and natural materials, these spaces embody the rustic elegance of the landscape. Rendered views highlight the arrival block’s welcoming design, the pool’s tranquil setting, and communal areas, capturing the essence of Tadoba’s vibrant ecology in a refined and sustainable environment.
ASHOKA UNIVERSITY
HARYANA, INDIA Professional Work, (Internship,2022)
The landscape improvements for Ashoka University’s South Campus aim to enhance usability, sustainability, and aesthetics across its 26-acre area. The master plan divides the campus into key zones: academic, residential, recreational, and peripheral. Improvements include the addition of shaded seating, outdoor activity spaces, and tree-lined walkways to create inviting and functional environments. The design encourages outdoor engagement by blending open green areas with structured pathways, fostering a balance between natural elements and campus infrastructure
The Crossroads Courtyard and Residential Back Court transform underutilized spaces into functional landscapes. The Crossroads Courtyard serves as a central meeting point, featuring shaded pathways and flexible seating to foster interaction. The Residential Back Court offers private and serene green spaces for relaxation and recreation, integrating native plantings and sustainable design elements to complement the surrounding architecture
EIT COMPETITION
NINGBO CITY, CHINA Professional Work, (Internship,2022)
This project was a part of a competition organised by the Eastern Institute Of Technology. It was a group project with Architecture firms and Landscape firms. I participated in this during my internship at ROHA Landscape firm with a group 3 people and i was leading this project. We designed the landscape of the campus with the riverfront redevelopment.
The international campus development is an opportunity to revisit the development of the river edge. The early response to the immediate context was the basis of further development. The sites lies in the confluence of Yongjiang, Qingpaida & Qianda river, hence subjected to flooding at the riverbanks. Highest flood level recorded was at 3.26m, whereas lowest was at 2.05m. 100yr flood level is at 3.21m, so flooding is the main concern of this area. For design purpose, the 200yr flood level prevention is considered at 3.5m.
Qualitatively, there is a disconnect between the river edge and the city. The landscape design emphasizes on reclaiming the river edge by the local public at the same time maintain certain zones for the campus use exclusively. The landscape is organically integrating the built environment with the riverside and open areas.
Aerial study of the site edge to understand the character of the flood prone riverfront at different season zones.
The proposed design has an organic characteristic which responds to the natural river edge. Series of wetlands and green areas which step down as they approach to the river edge. The zonal planning ensures organized circulation. Reclaiming the river edge by the local public and rejuvenating the campus development. A universal design approach acknowledges the diversity of students and the local communities.
The potential of the river edge is realized through introducing water sport facilities and pedestrian promenades.
CREATING A SPONGE CITY
It is one of the regenerative concepts which tackles the problem of flooding of riverside areas. Unlike creating a concrete barrier at river edge, a sponge city is an idea where water is allowed to absorb, like a sponge, which naturally filters this water and recharges it into the urban aquifers.
Essentially, the river is allowed to expand during the rainy seasons by implying certain measures like bio-swales, contiguous green open spaces, rain gardens, permeable green pavers, green roofs, wetlands. It is a natural system and one of the best ideas to implement in a flood-prone city. There are some elements or systems by which sponge city concept can be implemented within a development. In monsoon season it is for the flood to come in and during dry season it is a park for everyday use.
Additional waterways connect into the main canal ensuring unobstructed flow of water within the site.
Sports areas like skate parks, adventure sports area, parkour activity zone and children’s playground.
Elevated Decks above the wetlands attracts people to relive the riverfront edge
Renders showing some interactive spaces for students and public inside the campus like outdoor lectures, seating pods, semi-open cafes, gardens, etc.
A.
Interconnected wetlands, canals and lake across campus naturally detain and filter water as well as promote urban ecosystems, strengthens bio-diversity and create an edge that is easy going with floods.
Curated walks can be designed starting from the cultural hub, towards the riverside plaza, leading to the pedestrian river walk, culminating at the art plaza across the canal.
C. Water Harvesting Lake Green urban zones refine quality of life, develop more pleasant landscape aesthetics and recreational areas that attract people and become high energy zones.
D. Public Node
Expanded elevated road acts as a node for the public to connect from the city via the main vehicular road to the river promenades and parks. This junction activates the water sports facility.
Wetland Edge
B. Curated Walk
The proposed pedestrian connection compliments the elevated road and frames the campus view from the flyover bridge. The plazas interspersed with the greens create a serene environment. These can be used for water fountain shows along with curated illumination and relevant audio.
Site Section - Landscape interventions to uplift riverfront edge, pedestrian connections to link the two zones divided by the existing canal
DLF IT Park
CHENNAI, INDIA Professional Work, (Internship,2022)
This project was done during my internship where we designed DLF IT Park Chennai - Block 12 Amenity Hub’s landscape, which is envisioned as a vibrant focal point within a thriving business district. Spanning 2.8 acres, this project integrates various amenities into a cohesive landscape design that fosters social interaction, relaxation, and movement. The amenity block includes office spaces, food facilities, an auditorium, and a creche, making it a central hub for professionals. With thoughtful pedestrian pathways, green corridors, and shaded seating, the landscape design enhances the user experience, creating a dynamic space for gathering, recreation, and work in harmony with the built environment.
DLF CHENNAI, IT PARK-BLOCK 12 AMENITY HUB
NORTH BLOCK ENTRANCE
OFFICE DROP OFF ZONE
STEPPED SEAT LAWN
OUTDOOR MEETING SPACES
OUTDOOR GAME TABLES
INTERNAL STREET
SHORT STREET TREES
PEDESTRIAN STREET
SIDE WALK 3M WIDE
TRAFFIC CALMING ZONE
DLF CHENNAI, IT PARK-BLOCK 12 AMENITY HUB
LANDSCAPE PLAN
8
CRECHE
AUDITORIUM ENTRANCE
MEDICAL CENTER
TRAFFIC CALMING ZONE
STRAMP
ROUND PLANTER SEATS
STEPPED SEAT LAWN
OUTDOOR CAFÉ SEATING
WATER FEATURE
0131025 meters N
The master plan for DLF IT Park Chennai prioritizes accessibility, functionality, and aesthetics to create a well-defined landscape around Block 12. Key programming includes a central internal street linking the office and amenity buildings, outdoor seating, play areas, and dedicated pedestrian paths. This layout encourages seamless circulation and provides diverse spaces, from quiet resting spots to larger social areas. Designed with sustainability in mind, the landscape includes shaded pathways, ample seating, and sustainable plantings, all contributing to a user-centered, environmentally responsible development
Visualizations of the South and Southeast blocks highlight the landscape’s character and user-friendly design. The South Block entrance features a spacious drop-off area with adjacent seating and greenery, creating a welcoming and functional access point. The Southeast block emphasizes social spaces with stepped seating lawns, outdoor game tables, and shaded walkways, catering to the diverse needs of professionals and visitors. These renderings capture the project’s essence, showcasing a landscape that merges aesthetic appeal with practical solutions to enhance daily interactions and engagement.
MISCELLANEOUS WORKS
Kaushal Bhawan’s landscape design focuses on creating functional, open spaces that complement the building’s architectural style. The layout plan integrates green areas, walkways, and gathering zones that provide a balanced environment for users. With carefully placed vegetation, shaded seating areas, and minimalistic water features, the design offers both aesthetic appeal and comfort. Rendered views showcase the thoughtful arrangement of green spaces and pedestrian pathways, reinforcing Kaushal Bhawan’s identity as a harmonious, user-centered space within its urban context.
These drawings was done during my internship at ROHA Landscape Architecture and Planning. These are Tree Planting Plan and a Material Plan for Bharat Vandana Park, New Delhi. It is a part of Delhi Master Plan, 2021. The Park is designed to reflect and establish upon the identity of the Modern India. It is divided into nine petals connected via a series of Access Road, Tram and Waterbodies. Each petal has a different theme and function assigned like Congregational Zone, Cultural Zone, Meditation Zone, Adventure park , Mini India etc. To experience the vastness and overwhelming scale of the park a series of sky bridge are proposed with observation Plaza’s and retail areas to facilitate the users.
It is a Tree Planting Plan for the Cultural Area of the Park. Also, the Material Plan is of this area.
These drawings was done during my internship at ROHA Landscape Architecture and Planning.
These are some Construction drawings of two projects, Ashoka University, Sonipat, India and Bharat Vandana Park, New Delhi, India.
The details are of Unique Seatings attached to brick walls in the center garden of Ashoka University. The other detail is of the Amphitheatre Building layout with its sections and their details.
ACADEMIC WORKSHOPS
This project was a part of Landscape Skills module. It was a like a workshop where we went around in and around Newcastle with specific tasks that created an embodied experience through our senses. It was a group project and we came up with ‘Wheel of Stories’ where we derived nostalgic stories and cultural experience in Newcastle city center while doing those tasks. It involved most of our senses which gave us some intervention opportunity to create a cultural plaza which inclusive for everyone.
This project was a part of our Collaborative studio (Global Design Studio) with the students of Boku University,Vienna, Austria. It was also a group work, where we had to reimagine Westbahn Park, which is a abandoned railyard but its being used for many outdoor activites. We had a concept in mind which focused on smell. So we had four elements figured out that could shape the future of the park. The big picture above shows our experience of those smells what it reminds us and how it can shape the future. The series of photos shows the process of the project.
Limbering Up 3D Map
Smell of the Past; Smell of the Future, Westbahn Park
PHOTOGRAPHY
MOMENTS
I like to capture moments so that I can relive them through my photographs. Since, I like to travel a lot i get mesmerized with the landscapes this nature shows us. So photography is a bonus skill that I have achieved. My photographs were also exhibited in “Florence in the world, The World in Florence” exhibition exchange organised by Dronah Foundation and Romualdo Del Bianco Foundation. The theme was Landscapes and Heritage around you.
Also I have created a collage of my photographs showing vibrant forms of pictures from Architecture to Nature.
THANK YOU
After all, I am just a curious guy waiting at the shore in search for the perfect pebble
Chirag Chheda