Genius Loci: Redefining Urban India through Sustainable & Context-Driven Landscape Architecture

Among the many notable works, The Serai in Chikmagalur stands out as a landmark project that exemplifies this philosophy. “Commissioned by the Café Coffee Day group nearly two decades ago, this resort was envisioned not just as a getaway, but as an immersive landscape experience narrating the story of coffee. 

Set within the undulating terrain of a coffee estate, the design integrates cultivation, heritage, and aesthetics, featuring terraces and a sacred thread of water connecting different levels of the site, creating a meditative and sensorial journey through the plantation”, adds Arati. The project remains timeless, thriving as a living example of design rooted in place and identity.

Another iconic project is the John F. Welch Technology Center in Bangalore. Built on a contoured site, the campus centers around a large, serene detention pond designed for rainwater harvesting, merging sustainability with spatial beauty. Drawing inspiration from Indian architectural traditions, the landscape features ghats and a central axis reminiscent of ancient step-wells, reinterpreted in a contemporary idiom. Through these projects and many more, Arati and Genius Loci continue to redefine urban and natural environments as interconnected, resilient, and deeply meaningful spaces.

Embracing Green Innovation

In recent years, Genius Loci has witnessed a growing demand for design solutions that integrate nature into increasingly dense urban environments. As cities become more built-up and compact, the emphasis on creating livable, biophilic spaces has never been greater. Responding to this shift, the firm is pioneering the use of green infrastructure, green roofs, vertical gardens, and integrated landscape systems, to bring nature into the heart of high-rise developments.

These innovations allow for lush, immersive landscapes even on the 18th or 20th floor, transforming concrete structures into vibrant green ecosystems. In some projects, the architecture itself becomes a shell, completely enveloped by the landscape, blurring the boundaries between built form and nature. “These approaches not only enhance visual and environmental quality but also promote mental well-being and ecological resilience. I believe this is not just a trend, but a necessary evolution in the way we design cities, toward a future where urban life coexists seamlessly with nature”, asserts Arati.

Navigating a Shifting Landscape

Arati’s professional journey has been marked by perseverance, especially in an era when landscape architecture was barely recognized as a distinct discipline in India. When she relocated from Delhi to Chennai nearly 30 years ago, the profession faced low awareness and limited appreciation. Convincing clients of the value of integrated landscape design was a significant early challenge. Over time, with sustained effort and the rising visibility of meaningful design, public perception has shifted. Today, landscape architecture is a respected and vital part of many major projects, a change Arati has witnessed and contributed to through her practice, Genius Loci.

Another challenge in the profession, still ongoing, is the dominance of foreign architec­tural firms in high-profile Indian projects. Arati believes the best response lies in continuing to deliver outstanding, contextually rich, and inno­vative work that highlights the immense talent present within the country.

Vision for the Future

Genius Loci’s futuristic goals remain rooted in its core philosophy of creating sustainable, re­silient, and adaptive landscapes that respond to the evolving needs of urban environments. The firm aims to continually push the boundaries of ecological design by integrating emerging tech­nologies and innovative green infrastructure. Its agenda includes staying abreast of global ad­vancements in landscape architecture while up­holding a deep commitment to design excellence. “With each new project, we see an opportunity to outdo ourselves, because we truly believe every site has its own story and deserves a thought­ful, context-sensitive approach. It’s this constant striving for quality, along with our curiosity and love for learning, that keeps us growing”, con­cludes Arati.

AWARDS & CERTIFICATES

Landscape Architects on the 1st LEED Certified Project in India - The Godrej CII GBC (Hyderabad) 2004

Young Landscape Architect of the Year Award - Society Interiors & Design Honours 2005

Fellow - The ISOLA Council of Architecture 2005