Architecture for a Better City
We believe architecture carries a civic duty. These projects represent our commitment to using design as a tool for social good, from reimagining historic public markets to creating mobile classrooms for city communities.
An aerial rendering of our pro-bono proposal for the conservation and expansion of Russell Market. The design adds a modern, multi-level structure for parking and new vendors while preserving the historic 1927 market hall at its heart.
An interior view of the proposed Russell Market expansion. This rendering shows how new escalators and walkways would connect the old market with the new additions, creating a seamless public space that respects the original structure's domes.
A sectional drawing of our Russell Market proposal. This diagram explains how the different functions are organized, with fresh produce in the historic hall, public courtyards, and new levels for parking, meat and fish markets, and a rooftop cafe.
The interior of the completed "Wonder on Wheels" bus. We helped design and execute this mobile classroom, which brings education to the children of daily laborers in Bangalore, transforming a standard bus into a bright and functional learning space.
Craftsmen painting the bus for the "Wonder on Wheels" project. This initiative involved local artisans and mechanics, turning a decommissioned bus into a vibrant yellow school on wheels.
A worker carefully lays carpet tiles inside the mobile classroom. We used durable and colorful materials to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for the children.
The project lead discusses the installation of a whiteboard inside the bus. This collaborative effort brought together designers, foundations, and city officials to create a unique educational tool for the community.
About Architecture for a Better City
In our work for the 'Wonder on Wheels' mobile classroom, the challenge was ensuring durability and comfort in a constrained space. We had to transform a decommissioned bus into a functional learning environment that could withstand the rigors of daily use. We selected industrial-grade, tactile materials that provided warmth, ensuring the bus was not just a vehicle, but a classroom that respected the dignity of the children it served.
When we talk about designing for a better city, we are often talking about reclaiming space. Architecture should not be exclusive; it should be an invitation to the public. Whether it is the restoration of historic institutional buildings or designing new, flexible public infrastructure, our approach remains anchored in the context of Bengaluru.
Our proposal for the Russell Market in Shivajinagar is a prime example of this philosophy. We analyzed how to preserve the 1927 heritage structure while integrating modern necessities like organized parking and improved circulation. The goal is to allow the historic fabric to breathe while accommodating the demands of a bustling, modern market. It requires deep research into the site history and a careful negotiation with the existing urban grid.
Social impact projects like 'Wonder on Wheels' require a different kind of precision. We collaborated with foundations and the BBMP to ensure these designs were scalable and practical. It is about understanding the end user—the children of daily laborers—and creating a space that is both bright and functional.
We do not see pro-bono work as a side activity. It is central to our practice. It involves long walks through city neighborhoods, sketching ideas on site, and engaging with the communities that inhabit these spaces. It is a slow, meditative process that we feel is essential to the health of the city. We believe that when you improve the public realm, you improve the city for everyone, not just the privileged few.
Mathew and Ghosh
I am Soumitro Ghosh. Alongside Nisha, I view our practice as an ongoing conversation with the city of Bengaluru. We don't just build structures; we look for ways to make the urban environment more livable, one project at a time.
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