By Dhanya Rajagopal
The shadow of the tree canopy determines the choice of space for doing business and cooling off with some tender coconut water on a hot summer day! In the below image we can really see how far that shade extends and defines the resting space.
One of the tree species seen here is the Neem tree native to the region and also considered to be an indicator of groundwater. We are seeing a fast decline of tree cover and green space in Chennai of up to 2% decline every year (Source), and a 2018 report by Care Earth Trust states that there are less than 33 trees per person in the city (Source).
Do you have an image (or set of images) and commentary to share on shade in your cities? Please feel free to email info@pedestrianspace.org