This is a "ground breaking" book for town planners, architects, landscapists and city planners who face the enormous task of creating and planning cities, buildings, parks and open spaces in the face of challenging unprecedented urbanization. It is an encyclopedia of knowledge on methods and techniques to solve the intricate problems of urban planning with tree plantation. This book is an excellent reference guide that cites New Delhi and Chandigarh as examples of cities where tree plantation was a priority. The book offers valuable concepts of tree planting accompanied with photographs and illustrations to describe the appropriate use of trees in different urban settings. It provides a detailed description of the fundamental requirements of tree plantation around roads, buildings, open spaces and parks taking into account the important considerations pertaining to the structure and textures of trees, their density and diversity in growth patterns, scale, colour, form and detail. The book includes "lessons learnt" with insights into opportunities for improvement in future planning and development. The one chapter pertaining to the concept of developing the entire city into a park makes this book unique and creative and a must read.
Hardial Singh Johl (b 1933) is an experienced and renowned landscapist. He got his Masters degree from Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana (formerly Punjab College of Agriculture) in 1955. He started his career as the landscape designer at the famous Mughal gardens of Pinjore. He worked in Chandigarh for over two decades where he revitalized the landscape plans of the city. During his tenure as head of Chandigarh's landscaping wing he designed and developed the entire city, including roads, avenues, several parks and gardens. The world famous Rose Garden is a product of his expertise and design. He then worked for the Punjab government as head of the Landscape Circle. He also served as landscape Advisor to Punjab Urban Development Authority and developed the urban estates of Mohali, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala and Bathinda. His master projects include the Punjabi University campus in Patiala, Silver City in Zirakhpur, the Coach factory at Kapurthala and the historical city of Anandpur Sahib. His contribution to landscape and landscape design includes over 300 articles in the daily newspaper, The Tribune. He has received recognition from several leading administrators and professionals in this field. Sarbjit Singh Bahga (b1957) is a Chandigarh based architect, urbanist, author and photo-artist. He graduated in architecture from Panjab University, Chandigarh in 1979 and was conferred with Doctorate in Architectural Science (D.A.S.) in 2000. He works in the Department of Architecture, Punjab and has 33 years of practical experience in designing and supervision of various types of buildings, complexes and large campuses. He is presently working on deputation as Senior Architect in the Punjab Mandi Board, Chandigarh. His completed works include an eclectic and impressive range of medical, educational, administrative, commercial, recreational and residential buildings. His buildings are interesting and responsive to function, climate and materials. He has six books to his credit. His books, Modern Architecture in India: Post-Independence Perspective (1993), New Indian Homes: An Architectural Renaissance (1996) and Le Corbusier & Pierre Jeanneret: Footprints on the Sands of Indian Architecture are considered as landmarks in the history of contemporary architecture of India. His contribution to architecture has been largely recognized and his buildings/articles have been widely published in many architectural journals and books.
