Suchitra Deep

This Foundation Project implemented by IFA under Project 560, will delve into the artistic research on the heritage of Malleswaram by creating a digital archive and interactive platform that blends historical research with community stories, fostering a deeper connection to the cultural, ecological, and architectural legacy of the neighbourhood. Suchitra Deep is the Project Coordinator for this project. 

Suchitra Deep is an architect based in Bangalore, known for her commitment to sustainable design and urban development. She co-founded Firm Terra Architects, working with Anand Krishnamurthy, and has previously collaborated with renowned figures like BV Doshi and Laurie Baker. As a leader in community-driven projects, Suchitra has co-initiated the Malleswaram Urban Living Lab (M-ULL), focusing on mobility improvements in Bangalore’s Malleswaram neighbourhood. She is an active member of Malleswaram Social, a civic initiative dedicated to enhancing urban life through campaigns like Footpath Beku. Suchitra’s architectural excellence has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious IIA National Award and multiple nominations for sustainable architecture. Suchitra earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, and has since taught at various institutions, contributing as a juror in architectural schools. An active member of the Hindustani classical music group Sunaad, she balances her professional and artistic pursuits with community engagement. Given her experience, Suchitra Deep is best placed to be the Project Coordinator of this Foundation Project of IFA. 

This project involves artistic research into Malleswaram, a historic Bangalore neighbourhood, aiming to unearth its layered narratives through community engagement and archival exploration. While Malleswaram is known for its heritage, many of its stories remain untold, particularly those reflecting the voices of everyday residents who have witnessed its transformations. From demolished landmarks like Villa Pottipatti to the ecological resilience of Sankey Tank, this project addresses the significance of preserving the memory and legacy of Malleswaram. By documenting personal accounts, community interactions, and historical milestones, the project will present Malleswaram as a living repository of stories that convey the essence of place and its value to those who call it home.

The artistic research process will include gathering both primary and secondary data to build a comprehensive narrative. Primary data collection will focus on official records such as state archives, gazettes, and historical publications, providing a factual backbone to the history of the neighbourhood. This will be complemented by secondary data gathered directly from residents, shop owners, vendors, local workers, and cultural practitioners, whose lived experiences add depth and authenticity. Through these conversations, the project not only corroborates historical facts but also brings forward nuanced perspectives that might otherwise remain hidden, thus creating a multidimensional portrait of Malleswaram’s past and present.

To foster a vibrant community connection, the project will involve various artistic engagements with local participants. Heritage walks, mapping exercises, photo essays, and word games will invite residents to express their connection to Malleswaram in creative forms, amplifying the diversity of stories within the community. Unique activities like tree walks and future-visioning exercises will encourage participants to imagine the neighbourhood’s evolution and their role within it. These activities will aim to deepen the community’s bond with Malleswaram, allowing participants to articulate personal insights and aspirations for the area while contributing to a collective narrative.

The project will be manifested as an interactive website featuring an embedded e-book, designed to serve as a living archive of Malleswaram’s heritage. The website will incorporate factual texts, illustrations, maps, audio and video recordings, archival photographs, and resident-contributed stories, providing a dynamic and accessible resource. The eBook will compile essays from various contributors with personal connections to the neighbourhood. Beyond the project period, the website and eBook will continue to evolve, allowing Malleswaram’s stories to grow and serve as an enduring tribute to its cultural fabric and historical significance.

The outcomes of the project will be community-based art activities, a dynamic website and an embedded e-book. The Project Coordinator’s deliverables to IFA with the final report will be the photographic and audio-visual documentation of the artistic process and community-based art activities, an offline version of the website and a soft copy of the e-book.

This project suitably addresses the framework of IFA’s Project 560 programme in the manner in which it attempts to activate the urban commons in Bangalore, as a significant artistic exploration of the post-colonial architectural heritage of the city, focusing on Malleswaram through capturing the neighbourhood’s unique social fabric, ecological significance, and historical transformations, offering a digital archive that reinforces the importance of preserving urban memories amidst rapid modernisation, and cultural amnesia.  

IFA will ensure that the implementation of this project happens in a timely manner and funds expended are accounted for. IFA will also review the progress of the project at midterm and document it through an Implementation Memorandum. After the project is finished and all deliverables are submitted, IFA will put together a Final Evaluation to share with Trustees.

This project is made possible with support from BNP Paribas India Foundation.