Journal of Landscape Architecture

In this issue that is focused on mainly the southern areas of India, K.T. Ravindran, urban designer and architect, introduces the unique landscape of Kerala, and its relationship with culture, to our readers. It is one of the few places in the country where the development, to some extent, is still responsive to its natural surroundings and ecological framework, that includes the sacred groves - historically unique way of conserving biodiversity by the people.
It was in Kerala that late Laurie Baker’s concept of sustainable and economical designs in architecture found new idioms. He advocated the use of local materials, local building techniques and low cost construction in most of his projects, and thus responded to nature in a positive way. Dr. Srivathsan pays tribute to the master architect who has inspired students and professionals the world over.
The Earth Institute at Auroville has been training professionals from all over the world on the subject of using earth as a building material. It is one of the few institutes in the country that is working in the area of sustainability in urban development through ‘earth’ as the main medium of construction. Satprem Maini, Director of the Institute, shares his views, objectives, works and vision for future.
The other features covered in the issue are, as Biley Menon describes, the different responses to nature: traditional, cultural, architectural and environmental.