Interview of Ravi Ram, VBHC Value Homes

In a fiercely competitive real estate market, landscaping is becoming one of the differentiators for the projects to stand out in the crowd. Ravi Ram, CEO  & MD of VBHC Value Homes explains how developers are now marketing their projects on the basis of landscaped spaces and outdoor facilities. The role of landscaping in a real estate development Following the global trend, outdoor landscaping is becoming an important aspect of project planning. While, there are developers who are hiring international landscape designers for master planning, at the other end of the spectrum are developers for whom outdoor planning is a second thought. I don’t think that only top developers or brand companies are aware of the landscaping. There are many promoters of mid-range and affordable housing who are equally keen to incorporate landscaping in their projects as a value addition. It also comes down to the personal interest of the top management of the company and their love for nature. I am very fond of green spaces and therefore right at the project planning stage, I brief the designers to include well planned open spaces. If landscape architecture is evolved with the design and development of the built spaces architecture, then it adds value to the life of the residents. As an afterthought, landscaping is reduced to being a decorative element or marketing gimmick to attract buyers. How helpful is it for a project to bring an international landscape designer? While, we do have globally renowned consultants working with us, I have a contrary view to the association of international landscape designers with the projects. A foreign consultant brings in a global perspective to the master planning in terms of relationship of built and un- built spaces. But, to design green spaces, knowledge of local climatic conditions, plants species and vegetation is very important which a local designer would know better. So, the soft landscaping done by the local landscape designer will ensure that the greenery is sustainable; the overall master plan by an international designer will give it an international flavor. They both are interdependent on each other. Therefore, it is important that the intentions of the developer are in the best interest of the project and not just to bring an element of novelty for marketing purposes. To read more: http://realtyplusmag.com/landscaping-real-estate-developments/