Pune: The faculty and students at Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Sanstha’s (MKSSS) Dr.Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture for Women (BNCA) have studied trees at the 125 year old campus of Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Sanstha spread across 22 acres. Many trees complement the old and new buildings of the institute and has been aiding in the outdoor learning environment as well as helping control temperatures across seasons.
The outdoor classroom activity program- Know Your Trees in BNCA Campus was conducted by Landscape Architect and Prof.Kshitija Kolhatkar and Prof. Neha Adkar to celebrate ‘World Environment Day’, initiated by Mahatma Gandhi National Council of Rural Education and Social Entrepreneurship Swachhata and Rural Engagement Cell. It was organized under the guidance of Principal Dr.Anurag Kashyap and conceived by Dr. Swati Sahasrabuddhe, HoD, Department of Landscape Architecture (BNCA).
Avanti Barmade, Rajnandin iKolte, Radhika Jaswante, Mayuri Tarte, Radha Kinjwadekar and Pooja Mujumdar were among the 20 postgraduate students who participated in the initiative.
Speaking about the trees in the premises, Prof.Kolhatkar said that large native trees like Mango and Banyan have become important reference points for the architectural elements and buildings at the premises of the organization. According to this, various other types of trees, big and small have been planned around them. For this, trees have been consciously used as an artistic backdrop for walking paths, sidewalks, outdoor spaces for sports and cultural events in the premises of the organization. Trees serve as a link between human life and nature, and they are also useful for the emotional connection with the environment and wellbeing.
Prof. Adkar said that nature can be enjoyed with five senses including sound, touch, visibility, smell and taste. There are many kinds of birds, butterflies, insects living on the trees in the institute campus and the sweet sound of cuckoo can also be heard. The tree inside the campus has aesthetical, educational, social, cultural and environmental significance. The natural beauty of the institute is enhanced by the variety of trees like Banyan trees and other Ficus varieties, ornamental trees likePlumeria (Chafa), Ashoka, Palms, Royal Poinciana(Gulmohar) etc. Our students were taught that large and small trees can be planned in stages in the premises of any educational institution according to their form, colour, texture, spread and functions.
