Working in Paradise with the Master, Mohammad Shaheer

Document Type : Review

Author

Chief Executive Officer/ Aga Khan Trust for Culture

Abstract

Landscape Architect Mohammad Shaheer (1948-2015) was the principal consultant in the restoration of several historic gardens in India and Afghanistan. This article presents his particular approaches and methods in three landscape restoration projects: Humayun’s Tomb gardens and Sunder Nursery central axis in Delhi, and Babur garden in Kabul.Shaheer had a deep understanding of Persian Garden and was the Master, discerning the design intention of the Mughal builders. Restoring the authenticity of these historic gardens is the result of this understanding and also his special attention to details. Restoration of water flow and planting in these projects is carried out based on historic description also considering local tradition with the aim of bringing the garden back to the state of a flourishing orchard.
Shaheer’s thorough understanding of local cultural context and his special style in design_ simple yet to great effect_ has ensured modern functions are incorporated in the historic gardens and turned them into major tourist attraction sites.

Keywords

References

Shaheer, M. (2015). Restoring Baburs Garden, In Heritage of the Mughal World. London: Prestel.
Shaheer, M. & Nanda, R. (2015). Sunder Nursery Conservation & Landscape, In Heritage of the Mughal World. London: Prestel.
Shaheer Associates. (2008). Landscape Masterplan for Sunder Nursery. Unpublished, Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
MANZAR, the Scientific Journal of landscape
Volume 7, Issue 33
January 2016
Pages 96-103

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