LA77
EDITORIAL

The history of the region where the city of Bhopal is located traces back to prehistoric times, characterized by a cultural landscape adorned with scattered archaeological remains, prehistoric structures, monuments, settlements, and towns. Significant sites such as the Bhimbetka caves, the precinct of Sanchi, and the city of Vidisha among others bear testimony to the ancient heritage of the area. The narrative of Bhopal’s journey began in the 11th century when it was founded amidst hills. Over time, the city has undergone various stages of development, fostering values of sustainable and inclusive growth. Notably, during the 18th to 19th centuries, the century-long rule of Begums played a pivotal role in promoting ideas of secularism and modernity, shaping the city’s ethos. In the post-independence era, Bhopal’s leadership has shown a commitment to environmental awareness, reflecting an informed approach to urban development. Additionally, the city has prioritized the promotion of its cultural character, with institutions like Bharat Bhavan, MP Tribal Museum, and Indira Gandhi Manav Sanghralaya emerging as bastions of cultural preservation and enrichment. These institutions are creative manifestations of eminent architects and designers inspired by the city and region’s unique cultural and natural context.
  Balancing tradition and modernity, Bhopal stands out as a capital city uniquely poised to tackle the challenges of the new age while preserving its distinct identity and natural assets. The city’s cultural richness, coupled with its commitment to conservation, underscores the need to navigate the rapid and wide-scale developments.
  The special issue on the Lake City aims to highlight some of its salient features and celebrate its natural and cultural heritage while advocating for their preservation amidst the relentless pace of 21st-century development, the view shared by many personalities here.
  We are thankful to Savita Raje, Saurabh Popli, Pradip Nandi, and Gunraagh Talwar for referring some wonderful works and ideas of professionals, academicians, and activists based in the city, which have been featured in this issue.


IN THE LAP OF NATURE
Suhas Kumar
 

THE CITY
P. K. Biswas


IS WISE USE OF BHOJ WETLAND,
A RAMSAR SITE, A DREAM?

Pradip Nandi
 

THE LOST HISTORIC GARDENS
A GLANCE
Meera Ishwar Dass


‘A LIVABLE CAMPUS’
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE EDUCATION
AND RESEARCH IISER
Ujan Ghosh
 

WITH VERNACULAR
Nipun Prabhakar | Dhammada Collective
 


| report

LANDSCAPES OF COEXISTENCE
MANIFESTATIONS| RENDITIONS | EVALUATION | DIRECTION
Report by Sharayu Gangurde


| the region

REGIONAL CONTEXT
Vishakha Kawathekar


IN THE LAP OF NATURE
Suhas Kumar


THE CITY
P. K. Biswas


| nature in the city

IS WISE USE OF BHOJ WETLAND, A RAMSAR SITE, A DREAM?
Pradip Nandi


PLANNING OF LAKE CITY
OPPORTUNITIES AND COMPLEXITIES
Surabhi Mehrotra


NEGOTIATING CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Abhilash Khandekar


CLASSICS
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND PLANNING

| city & culture

BHOPAL
THE LOST HISTORIC GARDENS
A GLANCE
Meera Ishwar Dass


ENACTING THE PAST
Moulshri Joshi


| landscape, architecture & design

FROM THE ARCHIVES

INDIRA GANDHI RASHTRIYA MANAV SANGRAHALAYA
MANAV SANGRAHALAYA IGRMS | NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MAN
Ram Sharma & Associates


‘A LIVABLE CAMPUS’
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE EDUCATION AND RESEARCH IISER
Ujan Ghosh


SHAURYA SMARAK
A MEMORIAL
Kishore D. Pradhan: Architecture+Landscape


WITH VERNACULAR
Nipun Prabhakar | Dhammada Collective


| seeing the unseen

MOVING THROUGH SPACE & TIME
Manjusha Ukidve


VISUAL MANIFESTATIONS OF THE LANDSCAPE STORIES
GOND PAINTINGS
Khushboo Adhiya



























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