IUST Hosts Programme on Landscape Design and Kashmir’s Historic Garden Heritage

Bilal Habib 

Awantipora, June 11: The Department of Architecture, Islamic University of Science and Technology hosted a programme on landscape design and the historic garden heritage of Kashmir, featuring Dr. Jan Haenraets, internationally renowned landscape architect, preservation specialist and Professor of the Practice at Boston University.

In his address, Dr. Haenraets shared insights from his extensive research on Kashmir’s Mughal gardens, highlighting their historical evolution, cultural significance and enduring influence on landscape architecture. Drawing upon years of scholarly engagement with the region’s garden traditions, he underscored the importance of preserving these historic landscapes as vital expressions of Kashmir’s cultural and environmental heritage. He also discussed his forthcoming book, Kashmir’s Mughal Landscape of Gardens, scheduled for publication in August 2026.

The session was moderated by Mr Mehran Qureshi and attended by the Head, Department of Architecture, Mr. Qazi Qamar Iqbal Qari, faculty members Mr. Umar Farooq, Dr. Gowhar Afzal, Ms. Sadiya Tariq and Ms. Tanzeel, besides Dr. Dharam Chand from the Department of Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change.

The interaction provided a valuable platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities associated with the conservation of historic landscapes in the context of contemporary environmental and developmental concerns. Students and faculty actively participated in the deliberations, engaging with themes of heritage preservation, sustainability and landscape planning.

The Department is actively engaged in fostering academic engagement with globally acclaimed scholars and enriching students’ understanding of architecture, landscape design and heritage conservation through exposure to international perspectives and contemporary research.