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The IFLA-APR Regional Congress 2025 in Mumbai brought together landscape architects, urban planners, policymakers, students, and industry professionals to address sustainable and inclusive urban growth. With the theme 'Growth Paradox - Reimagining Landscapes,' the event highlighted the intersection of cultural heritage, ecological responsibility, and urban development. Supported by prominent organizations and a diverse exhibitor ecosystem, the congress featured discussions, exhibitions, and student-led projects, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and a holistic approach to urban planning. It reinforced the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental and social well-being.
The Indian Society of Landscape Architects (ISOLA) recently hosted the IFLA-APR Regional Congress 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, highlighting the role of landscape architecture in promoting sustainable and inclusive development. The two-day event, themed 'Growth Paradox - Reimagining Landscapes,' saw around 1,200 attendees each day, bringing together professionals, students, policymakers, and community artists to discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from rapid urban growth across the Asia-Pacific region. Advertisement
Supported by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), CREDAI-MCHI, Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), MEET in India, Incredible India, Council of Architecture (COA), Centre for Environment Education (CEE), and other organizations, the congress served as a significant platform to address ecological, sociocultural, and economic aspects of urban development.
Urmila Rajadhyaksha, ISOLA President, emphasized that the event was designed to include all stakeholders-from delegates and students to product manufacturers and plant nurseries-highlighting the society's commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its projects. Devayani Deshmukh Upasani, Convenor of IFLA-APR 2025, stated that the theme challenges current growth models, urging a balance between economic development and ecological, social, and cultural responsibility. She also noted that traditional knowledge and practices are key to tackling modern challenges, including unseasonal weather patterns, and appreciated BMC's efforts to view the city's open spaces holistically.
International experts added a global perspective. Adriaan Geuze, Founder of West 8, said India's cultural richness and history present a unique opportunity to integrate sustainability into urban development, suggesting that India could become a model for cities worldwide. Paul Chan, President-Elect of IFLA-APR, highlighted the potential for Asia-wide collaboration to make cities healthier, sustainable, and prosperous, emphasizing that economic growth must align with ecological and human well-being.
The congress offered a mix of expert talks, panel discussions, and curated exhibitions, encouraging participants to engage actively. Highlights included the IFLA Global Studio Program and the launch of a student-researched Nature Culture Map of Mumbai. The Awards Night was hosted in partnership with Jaquar, while the Global Studio Program received support from the Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Foundation and Godrej Enterprises Group.
An extensive exhibitor network enhanced the congress, 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.; and Bronze Select and Essential partners across diverse categories. Their participation reflected the multidisciplinary ecosystem vital to landscape architecture's growth in India and the region.
The congress concluded with a call for a shift from infrastructure-led growth to approaches prioritizing ecological balance, cultural inclusion, and resilient urban systems. Delegates reaffirmed their commitment to advancing landscape-led strategies that align environmental needs with urban expansion, ensuring Asia-Pacific cities develop into socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable habitats.
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