When I think about landscaping in a residential project, I picture how someone might use the space on an ordinary evening.
An elderly resident wants somewhere comfortable to sit. A parent wants to spend time outdoors while watching a child play. Someone returning from work wants a quiet place to pause before going upstairs.
For me, these everyday needs should shape the landscape plan.
A green area can look attractive in a presentation, but I believe its real value depends on whether people feel comfortable using it. Where are the seats? What will provide shade? Can residents reach the garden conveniently? Is there room for a conversation without blocking the walking route?
I would also consider different uses together. A space intended for quiet sitting should be planned with an understanding of nearby play areas, vehicle movement and organised activities. Everyone deserves consideration, including residents whose homes overlook the common areas.
An amphitheatre or gathering space interests me when it has a purpose beyond occasional events. Could its seating also work for a small informal group? Would it remain welcoming on a day when nothing is being organised?
Planting deserves the same practical thought. I would ask the landscape professional how the selected plants suit the location, what care they require and how the space will change as they grow. The opening-day appearance is only one stage of the design.
Upkeep must also be planned. Watering arrangements, drainage, cleaning access and a realistic maintenance budget belong in the conversation from the beginning. I would prefer a landscape the community can care for consistently over an elaborate scheme that becomes difficult to sustain.
I also believe residents’ observations should inform improvements after occupation. A seat that is rarely used or a route people find inconvenient deserves attention.
My ambition for a landscaped area is simple: it should become somewhere residents naturally choose to spend time.
A well-considered outdoor space gives people a reason to step outside, sit for a while and enjoy the place they call home. That deserves as much thought as the spaces within the building.
—Tushar Kumar