GO GREEN

With growing cement concrete mushrooming all over, a dash of green cover will bring insulation from the harsh and arid landscape. Vile Parle East is a buzzing suburb just bang opposite of Domestic Airport. With civil aviation restrictions people have no other choice than to spread widely with a large footprint and minimum open spaces. With few open spaces left & no space to accommodate anymore infrastructure people are left riddled to navigate through vehicle loaded streets, lanes, by-lanes.

Man & Nature have always co-evolved & co- existed with each other. So it becomes our duty and responsibility to improve the Natural Systems between Man and his Environment.

Introduction to designing with nature specially in high density areas will improve conditions to co-exist us with nature.

We cannot live far from Nature. Every vacation if you recollect will be to the mountains or near the waterbodies. They bring peace and solitude in a hustler’s life at least for a while.

Just imagine strolling on green lawns on a rooftop terrace in the evenings or smell fragrant flowers just before you leave for office. What an enriching way to start your day!

Many densely populated countries like Singapore and China have started implementing this kind of design. Here trees, balconies, terraces, rooftops, entrance lobbies, sidewalks, everything is pronounced green. Here vertical gardens are introduced when horizontal spread is not possible. Corners are converted into green spaces & those having luxury of Balcony and terraces incorporate green in totality. By incorporating natural elements into buildings, natural landscape features, natural light & ventilation it aims in creating healthy and productively built environment. Adequate use of natural energies like solar and wind will create energy efficient buildings. An organic way in improving the comfort of the occupants should be the ultimate design philosophy.

This is kind of organic blanket around spaces in  Architecture is termed as the Biophilic Architecture and Biophilic design will be an architectural approach to connect people to nature.

It’s common Knowledge of reducing carbon footprint, segregating waste, using harvested water, planting trees, using the three R that is reduce, reuse and recycle. But little is done to implement it. This task can be handled at individual flat owners independently but it is a collaborative effort of the people of the neighborhood to come together, contribute in beautifying the open space. They should act cohesively in sharing knowledge, helping and supporting each other in creating that green niche carved out for them. This should in the long run for creating a garden city. Other cities will definitely get inspired from this. Appreciate and acknowledge ideas coming from the remotest people who wish to contribute.

 Making a green habitat will not only nurture biodiversity but lead to our improved health. Apart from its cooling effects, it will reduce use of energy levels in abundance. It improves quality life and also the performance of buildings. Colorful plants, fresh air, waterbodies all add to increased feelings of tranquility and appealing to multiple sensory organs. Good air flow stimulations helps people in focus & performance.

All activities are interrelated and interconnected to humans and nature’s well-being.  Just remember Nature is also trying to thriving at the little abode we create. Give it a little expanse and we shall set a leeway for a countless species. SO GO GREEN! –

– Ar. Rashmi Phulkar, (Practicing architect, Vile Parle EAST)