Gram Bangla, Sunderbans

‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ has successfully introduced more than 100 plus young architects, landscape architects, urban planners and interior designers in the past three plus years. We are happy to see all these young professionals have moved higher in the ladder of success with their creative excellence in their professional pursuit. Knowing they have benefitted with zerobeyond’s global exposure makes our small team fill with pride, thereby making a strong impact in promoting younger talents in the architectural design world.

From Karachi, the GEN Z Series travels to Milan in Italy to meet a young and creative Indian Landscape Architect Prachi Rawat, who graduated in 2023 from Politecnico di Milano with a Masters in Sustainable and Landscape Architecture. Soon after her Masters, she joined P’Arcnoveau Milan’s office as a Landscape Architect. Prachi Rawat comes from an army background and is the first in her family to pursue architecture. She reveals, “Coming from a family with no architectural background, navigating this profession has been challenging. However, my parents have always supported me throughout my architectural journey, which involved moving away from home for internships, jobs, and eventually studying abroad.”

New Creek Habitat

Prachi Rawat adds, “Having being born in a smaller city surrounded by nature, my love for the natural environment was nurtured from childhood and has since evolved into a passion and profession. Growing up in India’s Capital city Delhi made me increasingly aware of the importance of good urban design and helped me understand the complex challenges cities face. This awareness now guides me as a professional designer. As a landscape urbanist, my goal is now to understand the role of nature in urban environments and address these challenges to explore the potential of nature-based solutions. My mother’s empathy has greatly influenced me, making me more conscious and considerate as a designer.”

Johnny D interacts with Prachi Rawat to explore her quest in the field of landscape architecture and her team’s Master’s thesis ‘Gram Bangla, Always in Motion, Sunderbans, India’.

Global Challenges – Focus on India

What was your childhood ambition? Have you always wanted to become a landscape architect? 

I never had a clear childhood ambition. Landscape Architecture was something I discovered along my journey. Architecture intrigued me and I was always inclined towards designing fields. As I delved deeper into my studies and professional experiences, my interest shifted towards landscape architecture. The allure of public spaces and urban challenges motivated me to pursue a Master’s degree. During this time, my internship at SLA introduced me to nature-based practices as solutions for urban issues. This has become my passion and focus in my current work.

Vision for Gosaba

How has architecture / landscape architecture influenced your life as a student?

Studying architecture has sharpened my critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving abilities, while broadening my perspective significantly. It is astonishing how much influence architects possess and the crucial role we play in improving people’s lives. As landscape architects, we have the added responsibility of caring for nature, while designing spaces that address climate change issues.

Master Plan of the Coastal Edge

Briefly tell us about your University and the Master’s Course.

Studying at Politecnico di Milano was an invaluable experience for which I am extremely grateful. The international exposure and the opportunity to work with colleagues from diverse nationalities and backgrounds provided the most important learning experiences.

Design Methodology

Briefly describe the significance of your project with the ‘Title of the Project and Site Location’.

Project Title – Gram Bangla, Always in Motion

Site Location – Sundarbans, India

Team: Constance Adeline, Ishita Agrawal and Prachi Rawat

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges, with vulnerable countries such as India being particularly susceptible to its consequences. The Sundarbans, world’s largest mangrove forest, is one such region facing severe climate-related challenges. The area is home to approximately 4 million people and is considered one of the most fragile ecosystems globally.

First Encounter to the Edge

The Sundarbans faces a multitude of challenges posed by climate change – such as the intensification of cyclones and escalating sea levels, thereby leading to a huge loss of biodiversity and habitat. The cumulative effects of these challenges have led to low resource management in rural areas, resulting in mass migration and poor community livelihood. The region is an example of how vulnerable areas are more prone to the consequences of climate change, and how addressing these regions are critical for building resilience in such places.

NBS – Nature-Based Solutions have emerged as a promising approach to mitigating the impacts of climate change. These are a set of practices that make use of natural systems to address environmental, social and economic challenges. Innovative landscape measures can promote better resource management in the rural context of Sundarbans. Moreover, indigenous methods of resource management have the potential to provide valuable insights into sustainable land-use practices in the Sundarbans. In conclusion, adaptive and resilient design principles are critical for developing landscapes that are capable of withstanding climate change impacts in future.

Rural Scale Strategy Details

Which National or International architect / landscape architect has inspired / influenced you? Please specify as to why?

There have been a lot of architects and architecture practices that I have been influenced over time. But, Snøhetta has always been there. Their ability to envision new possibilities and their sensitivity to context is truly inspiring. It is fascinating how each project seamlessly interacts with its urban fabric or surrounding environment. Even the smallest details are thoughtfully considered, making their work exceptional and captivating.

Challenges and Projected Devastation Map

As an Intern, what is the most important lesson(s) you have learned from seniors, while being a part of a project?

From my mentors, I have learned the critical importance of teamwork and effective management, and how profoundly they can impact a project’s success. I have also come to realize the significance of maintaining a work-life balance, particularly in the demanding field of architecture, where burnout is increasingly common. Seeing the bigger picture in our profession underscores the need for balance to sustain long-term productivity and creativity.

Regional Strategy

What role do you perform at P’Arcnoveau, Milan office as a Landscape Architect?

My time at P’Arcnouveau has been a significant learning curve. For the first time, I have had the opportunity to work on smaller-scale landscape projects, shifting away from urban projects. In our smaller studio, I am involved in nearly every aspect of the work, from preliminary concepts and design development to detailed designs for projects in Italy and abroad. This environment allows me the freedom to express my ideas and contribute to design decisions, a level of involvement that is often difficult to achieve so early in larger offices.

Rural Scale Strategy

Against the ethos of architecture field, ‘Hostile Architecture’ is an eyesore and fast changing the urban landscape of prominent cities around the world. Elucidate your perspective about this unwanted trend in urban landscape.

The hostile architecture approach often targets vulnerable populations, such as the homeless and reflects societal indifference to create more exclusion rather than inclusivity. Architecture should enhance the quality of life for everyone, but hostile design undermines this goal by prioritizing control and exclusion over public well-being. This approach transforms potentially welcoming and functional spaces into areas of discomfort and division. Urban design measures should focus on creating inclusive environments that address the root causes of social issues. Moving away from hostile design and towards more humane, inclusive approaches is essential for creating urban landscapes that truly benefits everyone.

The Villagers’ Edge

Which significant aspects of the global platform ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ did you liked the most, and why?

‘zerobeyond – the new frontier’ offers valuable opportunities to budding professionals, which I greatly appreciate! The GEN Z Series not only provides insights into various projects, but also offers a unique glimpse into the journeys of our generation of architects and professionals. This understanding is truly inspiring!

Nature-based Solutions

Local charm of cities has diminished due to Modern Architecture as every city looks alike and similar. How should architects / urban planners / landscape architects modernize cities, while maintaining the local charm intact?

I believe it is crucial as designers to first understand the existing context. This includes the current architectural patterns, the community we are designing for, the heritage of the place and the local materials and vegetation. Thorough research and comprehension before starting any project, whether landscape or architectural, ensure that the design reflects this sensitivity. Even contemporary solutions can be effectively integrated when they are in dialogue with the context.

Birds Hide overlooking Freshwater Swamp

The time to save Planet Earth from climatic catastrophes / human greed crisis has already slipped away from humans’ hands. Elucidate your views how the future of your generation and generations ahead are going to rise above the past generations to tackle this existential crisis?

I believe the future generation carries a significant responsibility to sustain life on this planet. It is no longer just about making good design decisions and integrating nature into our work. It is important that we make a positive impact through our projects. On the other hand, Nature-based designs are becoming increasingly prevalent and will likely take center stage in the near future. Given the damage already done, as a landscape architect, I emphasize that while it is crucial to design solutions to prevent or address these challenges, it is equally vital to cultivate resilience.

Challenges of Gosaba

Looking at the past in the current present, what are the futuristic landscape and architectural changes you would like to see in your home city / town? Elucidate the reasons for your vision.

Growing up in Delhi, I have witnessed its urban expansion over the past 20 years. Firstly, I would like to see a significant increase in green infrastructure, such as green roofs, more parks, community gardens, vertical gardens and urban forests. These elements can help combat pollution, reduce the urban heat island effect, and enhance biodiversity. Secondly, more public spaces designed for everyone, adaptable to different seasons, and with more nature introduced. This would enhance the quality of life and improving the city’s environmental health.

Before and After Devastation Scenario Mapping

Honours and awards related to architecture, if any.

‘Carbon Capture Towers’

Team: Alessandro Bianchi, Ana Rebeca Sorto, Camilo Rodriguez, Ishita Agrawal, Kathryn M. Mathews, Maria Belen Aguirre, Paola Soundy and Prachi Rawat.

Our team was among the top six projects in SUPERSCAPE II 2022 with our ‘Carbon Capture Towers’ project. The project was also declared the winner at the GLOBAL FUTURE DESIGN AWARDS II 2023.

‘Morainic Identity Regeneration Competitions’

Team: Alejandro Suarez, Camilo Rodriguez, Prachi Rawat and Valeria Salcon.

I participated with my team in the Morainic Identity Regeneration Competitions in the Landscape category, where our project won 2^nd Prize and received an honorable mention for ‘Graphics and Communication’.

Moment of Pride

‘Gram Bangla, Always in Motion’

Team: Constance Adeline, Ishita Agrawal and Prachi Rawat.

We have been seeking opportunities to share our work on rural nature-based solutions and advance our thesis research. Our team was invited as speakers at the IIHS Urban ARC 2024 conference, where we showcased our work.

Image Courtesy: Prachi Rawat