Stories in Stillness“Art Deco Walk, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru”

Date: 26TH October, 2025  

Hosted by:  Z504 BMS College of Architecture, Design and Planning

                     Z512 RV College of Architecture

Venue: Malleswaram, Bengaluru  

Curated by: Ar. Suchitra Deep  

Introduction

This photo essay shows an Art Deco walk in Malleshwaram, Bengaluru. The goal was to capture architecture through still moments and daily experiences. This narrative exploration focused on observing how regular residential buildings reflect Art Deco features while remaining active living spaces.Centered on the theme “Designing Through Habits & Human Experience,” the symposium aimed to explore architecture beyond conventional design approaches by emphasizing the relationship between built environments and human behavior.

The theme “Stories in Stillness” goes beyond simple architectural analysis. It tries to capture interactions, pauses, and how people engage with space. 

Sequence of the Walk

The event began with a guided walk through chosen streets in Malleshwaram. Participants learned how to spot architectural styles in their everyday surroundings.

As the walk progressed:  

• Participants moved along narrow residential streets and observed facades as part of a whole, not in isolation.  

• The curator pointed out subtle Art Deco details that often get overlooked in daily life.  

• Stops were made at specific houses for detailed discussions of key features.

A significant part of the experience involved pausing, allowing participants :

• Notice patterns in railings, windows, and corners.  

• Observe how light interacted with curved surfaces.  

• Understand how regular use shapes perception of space.

In some cases, residents allowed entry into their homes. This changed the experience from public observation to personal interaction, where participants could:  

• Walk through interior spaces.  

• Observe materials like red oxide flooring and terrazzo.  

• Understand how these homes are used in daily life.

Moments Captured (Stories in Stillness)

The heart of the photo essay lies in capturing specific moments such as: 

• Ar. Suchitra talks about how the local peoples behaviour form the space.

• A curved balcony edge catching light at a street corner.  

• A resident at the threshold of a home.  

• Repeated grill patterns casting shadows on walls.  

• Quiet streets framing continuous Art Deco facades.

Conclusion

The Art Deco walk in Malleshwaram successfully turned a simple neighborhood exploration into a rich architectural narrative. By focusing on still moments and lived experiences, this photo essay captures the essence of architecture as something dynamic, human-focused, and ever-changing.

This exercise shows the importance of observing, documenting, and interpreting everyday environments. It encourages a more sensitive and immersive approach to architectural study. 

Acknowledgment

This documentation acknowledges Ar. Suchitra Deep for curating the walk and the residents of Malleshwaram for their participation and openness. Their involvement allowed the experience to extend beyond observation into meaningful engagement.