Mumbai, November 19, 2025 : The Indian Society of Landscape Architects (ISOLA) successfully
concluded the landmark IFLA-APR Regional Congress 2025 at the Jio World
Convention Centre, bringing the global conversation on sustainable and inclusive
development to India. The event also underscored how landscape architects and
allied professionals—positioned at the intersection of urban development,
environmental stewardship, and community design—play a critical role in shaping
this evolving discourse. The two-day international gathering, themed “Growth
Paradox – Reimagining Landscapes,” drew an overwhelming response, recording
around 1,200 footfalls each day.
The event supported by the Brihanmumbai Municipal
Corporation (BMC), Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), CREDAI-MCHI, Indian
Institute of Architects (IIA), MEET in India, Incredible India, Centre for
Environment Education (CEE), Council of Architecture (COA), Shabari Naturals,
IRALE, BNHS India, Amernity Tree Care Association, Shabari Adivasi Vitta Va
Vikas Mahamandal and the Centre for Development of Stones (CDOS) – served as a
major regional platform to address the ecological, sociocultural, and economic
challenges arising from rapid development across the Asia–Pacific.
“We consciously brought together a comprehensive group
of all stakeholders—from delegates and students to product manufacturers, plant
nurseries, and community artists. This was not planned on a predetermined
model; we evolved the event’s structure to inclusively recognize every
component that constitutes the world of landscape architecture,” said Urmila
Rajadhyaksha, President of ISOLA. “The core mission of ISOLA is to achieve
the maximum possible Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in our projects, and
this gathering has significantly strengthened that shared vision for a
sustainable future.”
“The theme ‘Growth Paradox, Reimagining Landscapes’ is
a crucial call to action that questions the kind of growth we are pursuing,
reminding us that in our race towards development, we often lose sight of our
intended direction,” said Devayani Deshmukh Upasani, Convenor of
IFLA-APR 2025. “The conference is about integrating social and ecological
ethics and seeing humans as part of a larger whole—blurring the boundaries
between research, pedagogy, and practice. Revisiting traditional wisdom is key
to addressing contemporary challenges, like the unseasonal rains we are
witnessing. The support from the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai marks an
important step toward viewing the city’s open spaces more holistically.”
Adriaan Geuze, Founder and Design Director, West 8
(Netherlands) highlighted, “India is at an
extraordinary moment of renaissance—economically, culturally, and socially—and
this makes it essential to embed sustainability into development from the very
beginning. Unlike many nations that chase growth by erasing their past, India
possesses a rare talent for layering cultures, histories, rituals, food, and
language into everyday life. This inclusive cultural mindset, combined with
ecological responsibility, is not just India’s strength but a model for the
world. If India continues to integrate sustainability and cultural richness
into its urban growth, it can set a global benchmark for cities that are
healthier, happier, and truly future-ready.”
Paul Chan, President-Elect, IFLA-APR mentioned, “Attending the ISOLA Congress has underscored India’s
vast urban development and its rich multicultural environmental context. There
is great potential for collaboration across Asia to make our cities more
sustainable, healthy, and prosperous. The ‘Growth Paradox’ theme rightly
reminds us that economic progress must align with ecological and human
well-being. And because landscape knows no boundaries, addressing climate
change and biodiversity loss can only be achieved when cities and countries
work together toward shared goals.”
The Congress positioned landscape architects and
allied professionals—including urban planners, ecologists, academics, and
policymakers—to lead conversations on redefining development to ensure the
well-being of both human and non-human species. A diverse mix of expert talks,
panel discussions, and a curated exhibition enabled participants to craft their
own learning experience. The programming emphasized inclusivity, engaging
students, emerging practitioners, product manufacturers, and community artists.
A key highlight was the IFLA Global Studio Program and the launch of a
student-researched Nature Culture Map of Mumbai.
The Awards Night was presented in collaboration with
Jaquar, while the Global Studio Program was supported by the Soonabai Pirojsha
Godrej Foundation and the Godrej Enterprises Group. The exhibitor ecosystem
added immense value to the Congress across categories, including Platinum
Premier partners Vyara and Freeform Architectural Premixes; Platinum Elite
partners K-Lite, Wipro and Simpolo; Gold Strategic partners KSR Brothers, Oase,
SMARK, and Fluidra Astralpool; Silver Advantage partners Airy Scapes, Divyum’s,
N&N, Harshdeep, and Pavit Ceramics Pvt. Ltd.; Bronze Select partners NERI,
Restile, Tipwood, Urbanland Products, and Funplay; and Bronze Essential
partners ACI, Balaji Wall Texture, Ferrocon Concrete Factory, Infrascapes,
Interblocco, Nugreen MEA, KBA, DC, Prestige Aqua Systems, Rainbird, Reytek, and
Stoneking. Their collective participation reflected the multidisciplinary
ecosystem that continues to strengthen the field of landscape architecture.
The Congress concluded with a unified call for a
paradigm shift—one that moves beyond infrastructure-led growth to prioritize
ecological balance, cultural inclusion, and resilient urban systems.
International delegates and local stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to
advancing landscape-led approaches that harmonize environmental needs with
urban expansion, ensuring that Asia-Pacific cities evolve into socially
inclusive, environmentally sound, and future-ready habitats.
About ISOLA
The Indian Society of Landscape Architects (ISOLA),
founded in May 2003, is a professional organization dedicated to representing
landscape architects across India. With a growing membership that spans several
states and extends internationally, ISOLA is a leading voice for promoting
professional excellence, environmental responsibility, and design innovation.
As a member of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA),
ISOLA actively contributes to the global advancement of sustainable landscape
design and planning. The society advocates for awareness of the discipline’s
vital role in shaping resilient, inclusive, and ecologically balanced
environments for the future.
