The Berlin Senate had the Luisenstadt canal filled in because of the increasingly unpleasant smell and danger of epidemics. Engelbecken remained. The landscape architect, Erwin Barth, planned the creation of an “Indian Garden” in the area where the canal had been. It was to feature green spaces and a pond. The idea, modelled on the Taj Mahal, was that the dome of St. Michael would be reflected in the water. A bronze Buddha sculpture was also erected.