ACE Update – July 2019

Ateet Vengurlekar, Principal

Architect and Interior Designer,

Bluearch Architects

There are some set principles and

considerations that require special

attention while conceiving the concept of

green buildings.

Prem Nath, Prem Nath &

Associates

Landscape forms a major part

of a sustainable design – thus a

self-sustaining landscape is a very

important aspect.

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12 july 2019 ACEARCHITECTURECONSTRUCTIONENGINEERINGUPDATE

for creating a cognition between the built world and

the natural panorama,” said Manish Dikshit, Founding

Principal, AUM Architects.

According to Prem Nath, Prem Nath & Associates,

landscape forms a major part of a sustainable design – thus

a self-sustaining landscape is a very important aspect. The

key components of sustainable landscape design speak of

selection of the right kind of species – local species are the

most self-sustaining, specially brought-in, exotic species

of plants, tees may end-up either not sustaining or may

end-up creating an imbalance between the ecosystem.

Secondly, the right kind of irrigation system – depending

on the locale, the soil condition, etc. “Apart from the said

two key components, what also matters being able to

invite nature within the landscaped portion – this can be

done by using fruiting trees to enable migratory birds to

flock-in, water bodies also help cultivate local flora and

fauna, flowering plants and trees enhance the proportion

of butterflies and bees naturally – all this shall enable a

sustainable landscape,” said Nath.

Needs to heed

The principles of design are guidelines that can be used

to help move the generalities of landscaping ideas to

specifics. It involves seven traits that, when given proper

consideration, will allow any design to be unified, cohesive

and beautiful.

According to Ateet Vengurlekar, Principal Architect and

Interior Designer, Bluearch Architects, there are some

set of principles and considerations that require special

attention while conceiving the concept of green buildings.

These set standards may affect how the design feels, flows

and works. However, it’s also includes general themes

and easy to comprehend. Once understood and applied,

their impact will vastly improve any sustainable landscape

design. Vengurlekar points our certain features important

for the concept.

Simplicity - Elements that do not provide improvement

or impact on the design can be omitted. Prioritising

what is important and what is not in order to keep the

design clean, neat and uncluttered is must. A simple,

well-defined design is one that will be easier to maintain

and increase functionality.

Variety - Shape, size and form selections should be

diverse in order to create visual interest. However, do not

forfeit simplicity merely to create varied combinations.

Balance - Everything that is placed in a design will carry

a certain visual weight with it accordance with it’s the

theme. Balance is the concept of ensuring the weight

feels even throughout the plan. A plan with formal

balance will have both sides mirroring each other, while

informal balance refers to equal but not matching. Both

can work well.

Emphasis - Accentuating parts of the design using

texture, form or color will provide interest and lead the

eye through the design, however, too much emphasis

will feel chaotic. Specimen areas are best standing

alone. Accent areas are meant to stand out, but within

the context of a larger design. Key plants can help to

deemphasise or soften architectural features.

Sequence - Sequence refers to how transitions in the

elements of plant size, shape and texture are used.

Gradual changes of one element at a time offer a

smooth, appealing sequence. Abrupt changes from a tall

plant to a short one or a fine-textured plant to a rough

one does not work well.

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