Weaving Nature into the Fabric of Urban Living
Back in the early 2000s, towering concrete and steel structures represented a developed city as depicted in the media. And touted as symbols of progress. It was an era when urban living was envisioned as skyscrapers and bustling streets, with nature relegated to the periphery. Against this backdrop, GoodEarth emerged as a visionary company – one that championed sustainable development and conscious decision-making.
GoodEarth’s journey in designing and developing housing communities began in 1996 with ‘Hamlet,’ a residential community in Kerala that challenged conventional housing norms.
Rather than imposing artificial landscapes, the open spaces were designed to interplay with the built spaces, harnessing nature’s innate potential. From this early endeavour, a steadfast commitment took root – to prioritize living open spaces and design thriving lung spaces that add value to the overall well-being of the community.
GoodEarth Hamlet, Kochi, 1996.
Malhar Eco-Village: A Living Embodiment of Sustainable Urban Design
And today we find a living embodiment of this vision in Malhar Eco-Village, a remarkable 60-acre regenerative residential community nestled in Kengeri, Bengaluru. With six completed communities and three more in the pipeline, this community development has raised the bar for eco-conscious design.
Amidst the city’s unprecedented overpopulation and extreme concretization, Malhar Eco-Village dedicates an astounding 65-70% of its total area to meticulously designed open spaces that breathe life into the surrounding environment.
As you step into Malhar, you’re enveloped by the sheer expanse of open spaces, carefully-crafted to breathe life into the surroundings. These open spaces are not mere patches of greenery but carefully designed ecosystems that flourish with native flora and fauna.
The design philosophy of Malhar Eco-Village is rooted in a deep respect for the land and the belief that when we work in harmony with nature, it rewards us in abundance.
Diverse Open Spaces: Multi-level Gardens, Cluster Parks, & More…
Every element, from the thoughtfully-placed boulders and stone benches to the winding pathways and tranquil nooks, reflects this ethos, creating a seamless blend of natural and man-made elements that inspire a sense of connection and well-being.
The open spaces at Malhar Eco-Village are designed in various ways to cater to the diverse needs of the community. Multi-level gardens offer a vertical dimension to the greenery, creating a lush and immersive experience. While cluster parks provide vibrant gathering spaces for residents to socialize and engage in recreational activities. Courtyards and verandahs blend the indoors with the outdoors with ease, opening up spaces to strike a conversation with nature every day.
As you explore the winding pathways and lush gardens, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world where the built and unbuilt coexist in perfect balance. The integration of native species and the preservation of the land’s natural contours create an environment that feels organic and alive.
Birds and butterflies flit from flower to flower, their vibrant colours a testament to the rich biodiversity.
The open spaces conscientiously punctuate functionality, offering a canvas for social interaction and personal growth. These green expanses also help mitigate the urban heat island effect and reduce noise pollution from the surrounding areas.
Photographs: Manmath Acharjya & Bidisha Ganguly, Residents of Malhar.
Ecological Stewardship & Well-being
The benefits of these green expanses, however, extend far beyond aesthetics. They serve as silent guardians, facilitating rainwater percolation, groundwater recharge, and efficient drainage systems. The abundance of trees and plants acts as natural air purifiers and creates a much cooler micro-climate within.
Studies have shown that access to green spaces can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to improved mental health and overall well-being. Thus, for the residents of Malhar, these open spaces are more than just a pretty view; they are an invitation to reconnect with the natural world. And for the children, the eco-village is a living classroom, nurturing a generation of eco-conscious citizens. They learn about ecosystems, plant species, and sustainable gardening practices through hands-on experiences, fostering a deep appreciation for the environment.
As you immerse yourself in the verdant embrace of Malhar Eco-Village, take a moment to reflect on the profound impact of the spaces that surround us. The simple line in the brochure – “65-70% open spaces” – is more than a statistic; it’s a promise of a future where nature and nurture coexist, where the spaces we create are as vital as the structures we build.
In the quest for sustainable urban living, let us look to GoodEarth and Malhar Eco-Village as an inspiration; a reminder that when we respect nature, it rewards us in multitude. For it’s in the green spaces, the whispers of the trees, and the laughter echoing through the parks that we find the true essence of a life well-lived.
To know more about how these open spaces help in groundwater recharge and efficient stormwater drainage, read –
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