“TRAILS OF THE DECO” - Nexus Event

May 18
2 min read

31st January 2026, 9:30am-5pm | Hosted by DECCAN SCHOOL OF PLANNING & ARCHITECTURE - Z529

Art Deco Heritage Walk at Jeera Colony was conducted as a field-based learning exercise to expose architecture students to the reading of everyday historic fabric through direct observation of the style in the context of hyderabad city. The walk focused on identifying Art Deco style façade grammar, streetscape character, and patterns of alteration in an active neighbourhood with buildings built over 100 years ago , while training students in documentation methods like photography, sketching, mapping, and condition notes to create structured outputs such as abstraction, building sheets, Concept development and adaption.

Participating units : Z514, Z515, Z523, Z527, Z529, Z532, Z540, Z560, Z564. Z565.

Briefing Session

The day commenced with a short briefing session by Moin (Z529 USEC), who welcomed the participants and introduced the guide for the day, explained the route, walking distance, gathering points, and how the day would unfold. The session helped orient the participants before the Art Deco Heritage Walk began.

The Heritage Walk

The working session unfolded as the group walked through the neighborhood with the guide, Ar.Syeda Sameeha Maryam, who explained the architectural character of the precinct building by building. As the walk progressed, students documented the Art Deco features embedded in the façades, including curved balconies, decorative grilles, stepped forms, porthole windows, geometric motifs, and streamlined details, through sketches, photographs, and notes.

The session encouraged participants to observe closely, understand the visual language of Art Deco, and interpret how these elements contribute to the modern heritage character of Jeera Colony.

Participants observing and listening as the guide explained the Art

Lunch Break

The session then paused for lunch, giving participants time to rest, gather their thoughts, and return to their work with fresh perspective.

Work Session

The afternoon session focused on students drawing, abstracting, and translating design elements observed during the walk into artistic compositions on the tote bags. Their works gradually developed through lines, forms, colour, and detailing, each reflecting a personal interpretation of the documented architectural elements.

Tote bag jamming session at Sanjeevaiah Park

Conclusion

The day concluded with a brief reflection on the students’ work and the process behind it. Participants identified and guessed the design elements observed during the walk, discussed their interpretations, and recreated them through group-based artistic compositions. The session closed with an appreciation of their collaborative effort, observation skills, and creative translation of architectural details into art.