November 01, 2025: The Indian Society of Landscape Architects (ISOLA) announced that Mumbai will host the IFLA Asia-Pacific Congress 2025, India’s largest international event dedicated to landscape architecture. Supported by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) as its green partner.
Jeetendra Pardeshi, Superintendent of Gardens, BMC, spoke about the corporation’s ongoing efforts under the Majhi Vasundhara initiative. “We are greening spaces under flyovers, developing vertical gardens, and promoting recreational landscapes. A city without landscape architects may have buildings, but it lacks soul.”
His remarks highlighted the city’s evolving approach to integrating sustainability with public infrastructure. The BMC’s collaboration with ISOLA for this conference reflects a shared commitment to creating more resilient and people-centric urban environments.
Keval Valambhia, COO of CREDAI-MCHI, emphasised the importance of blending development with ecological sensitivity. “A city is a living organism made up of living beings, and its open green spaces are its lungs.”
He added that the collaboration between developers and landscape architects can play a defining role in shaping future-ready cities. The upcoming congress, he noted, presents an opportunity for the real estate community to adopt a more sustainable design ethos.
Devyani Upasani Deshmukh, Convenor of IFLA APR 2025, shared insights into how India won the bid to host the event. “We aim to make landscape architecture accessible not only to professionals but also to the public, especially in the context of climate change.”
She added that the congress, themed ‘Growth Paradox: Reimagining Landscapes’, will explore how design can balance development with environmental consciousness. The event will also feature a student studio, exhibition, and public forum to encourage broader engagement.
Urmila Rajadhyaksha, President of ISOLA, spoke about the society’s role in promoting awareness of landscape architecture across India. “Landscape architects design open spaces — from neighbourhood gardens to entire city streets — blending art, science, and ecology.”
She added that ISOLA represents over 700 professionals nationwide and serves as India’s voice in the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA). The 2025 congress, she said, will serve as a platform to advance the dialogue on climate-responsive design and urban resilience.
