Godrej Riverhills Central Greens

designed by StudioPOD /

Location / India — Type / Playgrounds — Residential Parks — Built / 2024 — Show on Google Maps / Published on May 14, 2024

Located in Pune, the Information Technology capital of Maharashtra, Godrej Riverhills is a 40-acre mixed use township that will serve the city’s young and burgeoning population. The site is nestled between a verdant tekdi (hill) and the Mula river which serve as the anchors of the axis along which the site is laid out. The landscape master plan ties together the hill and the river creating an ecologically sensitive, social, interactive and fun space that will be enjoyed by all.

A Biophilic Landscape Urbanism & Design approach has been employed that builds on the unique natural setting to create an ecologically resilient and engaging landscape. Emphasis is placed on blending ecology with function to create a variety of spaces that children and adults of all ages will enjoy spending time in.

The starting point for the landscape master plan was a detailed biodiversity survey which encompassed mapping all the species of flora and fauna on the site as well as understanding what species are native to the area and can thrive considering the local climatic, human comfort and topographic conditions.

The site is divided into three major distinct landscape character zones:

Retail Street “Riverwalk”: Serving as the pedestrian retail hub, the RiverWalk features seasonal avenue trees and tall river grasses, creating a vibrant ambiance reminiscent of the nearby river. The street is lined with retail & F&B outlets and designed as a linear park, fostering social interactions and community gatherings.

The Riverfront: Stretching 750 meters, the Riverfront is thoughtfully designed for access and programming while preserving biodiversity. It comprises a lower promenade for floodable activities like hiking and wildlife observation and an upper promenade for year-round activities such as parks and recreational pavilions. Planting strategies are synergized with programmed activities to enhance the riverfront’s resilience.

The Central Greens: It is a part of the 25-acre public realm within this masterplan, which epitomizes exemplary residential park design. This park serves as the township’s active landscape heart, featuring sports and recreational areas amidst lush greenery. Designed for daily fitness and leisure, it includes a 2.5 km Health loop, open gymnasiums, and meditation zones, fostering well-being and community connections.

With diverse zones catering to active and passive recreation, it integrates biophilic principles for well-being and sustainability through stormwater management and planting strategies. Stormwater management is seamlessly integrated into the landscape design, utilizing the site’s natural slope towards the Mula River. Bioswales and rainwater recharge pits strategically manage stormwater runoff, ensuring a captivating experience while mitigating environmental impacts.

Throughout the project, the design team navigated various edge conditions between built form and landscape, fostering dialogue and collaboration to balance economics, biodiversity, and architecture. In essence, Riverhills Township embodies a holistic approach towards sustainable living, fostering community engagement, well-being, and ecological stewardship within an aesthetically pleasing and functional landscape.