VEGETATION AND LANDSCAPING

Sai A. Pradhan l L. S. Raheja School of Architecture Traversing Through Architecture

FIGURE 44: THE ARRANGEMENT OF BUILT FORM AROUND THE TREES IN IUCAA, PUNE ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE OF THE USERS (IMAGE SOURCE- AUTHOR) There is a direct relationship between built form and the surrounding natural environment and affects us regularly as it has a direct physiological impact on us and determines our decisions to stop or continue walking. It affects the health and mental wellbeing of the occupant and should thus be one of the main elements of spatial organization.

The degree of interaction between the occupant and the green elements vastly depends on the geometry and placement of the areas of vegetation. It helps determine the accessibility of the green space to the occupants. This accessibility can be measure through three key factors- physical accessibility, visual accessibility, and opportunity for interaction (Pinelopi Vassilaki, 2015). While physical accessibility refers to the penetrability of the user into the green spaces, the visual accessibility is the amount of landscaping visible to the users. Landscape elements aid in blurring the boundaries between various spaces and ensuring an efficient communication between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Sai A. Pradhan l L. S. Raheja School of Architecture Traversing Through Architecture

Green elements have the potential of becoming architectural elements as they possess the ability to create a space into a place. The landscape around each typology of structure is designed differently to add character and bring the building to life. It helps the user identify the functionality of the structure from a distance. (Steuteville, 2017) They act as natural ceilings and columns and aid in the creation of spaces of all scales. Natural elements can be altered to create fourth dimensional spaces as they activate the senses and offer experiences replete with smell, noise, and touch.

Free and open spaces within the natural elements must be created for the users to fill and carry out activities such as playing, resting, sitting, etc. which activate spaces and encourage interaction between man, nature, and the built form. When these free spaces are surrounded with green elements and wet areas, they offer some relief from the sun and help continue the activities for a longer duration.

However, an organized pattern of these natural elements will elevate the spatial quality and guide the user physically and visually through various spaces. It will give rise to various ambiences and decide the pause points. In a linear layout, the trees of a similar height and scale are placed adjacent to each other, forming a vertical façade which helps to guide the users. On the other hand, when the trees and shrubs are placed further away from each other, they allow movement through them while framing a view of the structure. In cases where tall trees are used, their foliage forms a canopy for a larger area. By varying the heights and distances between the trees, various spaces can be created.

FIGURE 45: LANDCAPING IN WAR MEMORIAL, PUNJAB (IMAGE SOURCE- AUTHOR)

FIGURE 46: PATHWAYS FORMED IN GOVARDHAN , PALGHAR (IMAGE SOURCE- AUTH OR) Natural elements placed in a meandering line create directional spaces which give movement to the space. As this is most found along water bodies or with less rigid and built areas, they become inviting to walk along. Nevertheless, when angles are formed in this arrangement, giving rise to a zig-zag layout, it forms reflecting areas where furniture could be used. It offers a broader view of the structure while giving privacy to each person. An optimal area can be created to maximize the view of the individuals while blocking the view of the general public. These areas, most often at the edge of spaces, are shaded and offer refuge to the user. (Habitat Theory, n.d.)

Therefore, the placement, alignment and organization of natural elements is important to guide the user through various spaces. They form soft edges against the harsh forms and angles of structures. (Sharma, 2014) Landscape elements should not be adjusted according to the form as they should become the focal points for the design composition.

Sai A. Pradhan l L. S. Raheja School of Architecture Traversing Through Architecture