A New Kind of Eden

And it doesn't include manicured lawns. Landscape architect Kunaal Maniar explains why he's going greener and more grounded

- WORDS MALLIKA ADVANI PHOTOS ISHITA SITWALA

When Kunaal Maniar of Kunal Maniar & Associates describes his latest project, his language bypasses aesthetics and dives straight into ecology. “We're designing an aviary,” he tells us. “The protagonists of this story are the birds.” It’s a rigorous design brief, and one that requires careful research into identifying the trees and plants that will enable specific bird species to thrive. Each decision is guided by the principles of symbiosis and biodiversity to create a landscape that sustains life in multiple forms. For Kunaal, it's a welcome change. “I like that, for once, we are subverting the anthropocentric lens,” he grins.