--- title: "Urban Design & Placemaking for Vibrant Community Spaces in India - mytribe" description: "Transform public areas with expert Urban Design & Placemaking. Meeta Jain Architects specializes in urban revitalization and public art installations to create sustainable, connected community spaces. Hire a visionary designer on Tribe to bring your city to life." canonical: https://mytribe.in/meetajain_architects/urban-design-placemaking last_updated: 2025-09-04 --- # Urban Design & Placemaking in Bengaluru By [Meeta Jain Architects](https://mytribe.in/meetajain_architects) · We design public spaces by working directly with communities, using art, adaptive reuse, and hands-on methods to create places that connect people and respect local context. ## Locations Visit Studio in Sanjayanagar; Projects across Bengaluru & India ### Travels to - Takes projects across Bengaluru (Bengaluru, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India) - Available for projects across India (India, India) ### Visit at - Visit Design Studio in Sanjayanagar, Bengaluru (takes projects near Hebbal, Sadashivanagar, Malleswaram, Mekhri Circle, RMV Extension) ## Pricing guide (estimates) These are indicative prices based on provider's past work. Enquire now to find out final quote. ### Adaptive Reuse & Building Transformation Architectural consultancy to convert existing structures into public hubs, galleries, or workspaces using upcycling methods. Typically ₹250-450 per sq. ft. (Design Fee) (estimate) #### **Site Assessment** * **Structure Audit:** Evaluation of existing building components to determine retention versus removal. * **Space Re-programming:** Redesigning internal layouts to convert residential layouts for public or commercial flow. * **Street Interface:** Design modifications to boundary walls and entryways to improve public accessibility. #### **Material Upcycling** * **Salvage Integration:** Strategy for reusing demolition waste like old doors and rafters in the new design. * **Facade Collage:** Redesigning the exterior using a mix of original textures and new materials. * **Natural Light:** Strategic cutting of skylights or courtyards to improve ventilation and light in old interiors. #### **Project Support** * **Art Integration:** Identifying specific zones for permanent murals or installations. * **Site Supervision:** Periodic visits during demolition and finishing to ensure design intent. * **Structural Coordination:** Collaboration with engineers to ensure retrofitting safety. ### Pop-Up Urban Installations & Curation Design package for temporary structures, art festivals, and street activation events including execution strategy. Typically ₹1.8-3.3L per installation / event design (estimate) #### **Concept & Strategy** * **Narrative Discovery:** Analysis of site history and context to establish a recurring theme or motif. * **Curatorial Note:** Development of a philosophical concept connecting the physical space to the community. * **Collaborator Selection:** Identification of local artisans, students, or muralists for project execution. #### **Design Development** * **Structure Design:** Technical drawings for temporary builds using materials like bamboo, fabric, or scaffolding. * **Visualization:** Hand-sketched or digital representations showing the intended user experience. * **Material Sourcing:** Selection of low-cost, upcycled, or scavenged materials to minimize budget impact. #### **Execution Guidelines** * **Workshop Framework:** Structure for a 1-2 day participatory event for community building or painting. * **Lighting Plan:** Placement strategy for temporary fixtures like fairy lights or spots for night activation. * **Documentation Guide:** Instructions on photographing the intervention for digital impact. ### Landscape & Public Space Design Comprehensive hardscape and planting design for permanent community zones like parks or courtyards (up to 10,000 sq. ft.). Typically ₹4.5-7.5L per project zone (estimate) #### **Spatial Planning** * **Zoning Layout:** Definition of social gathering nodes versus quiet solitary zones. * **Native Planting:** Selection of indigenous, low-maintenance trees and shrubs suited to the local climate. * **Water Management:** Integration of natural rainwater solutions like bioswales or percolation pits. #### **Hardscape Design** * **Focal Points:** Detailed design of central features like amphitheaters, bonfire pits, or tree plinths. * **Custom Flooring:** Design of paving patterns using natural stone or reclaimed materials instead of generic blocks. * **Street Furniture:** Custom detailing for benches, waste bins, and signage. #### **Technical Deliverables** * **Grading Plans:** Contour strategies to manage site levels and drainage. * **Material Specs:** Vendor-neutral specifications for sourcing sustainable materials like granite or laterite. * **Construction Drawings:** GFC set for civil contractors to execute the hardscaping works. ## About Urban Design & Placemaking ### How I See Urban Design I don’t just build structures - I try to build connections. For me, spaces should feel alive, open and part of the neighbourhood, not just separate blocks of concrete. Every project is about finding a balance between nature and city, tradition and new ideas, people and place. Soham - 'I am That' - guides my approach, weaving unity into each space. ### What We Do at MapBee I started MapBee in 2009 as a way to bring different voices together for change. We work with all kinds of people - planners, artists, policy folks, activists - to rethink how our city works. Our methods are pretty hands-on and sometimes experimental, using small steps to spark bigger shifts. ### Our Work in Public Spaces - We use creative placemaking strategies like public art and curation to give neighbourhoods some soul. For example, the "Pincodes" art show in North Bangalore and the Playfield 1SR exhibition at 1 Shanthi Road both used art to connect people to place. - Urban revitalization through art and design is a big part of our practice. We’ve transformed old buildings into new spaces, like the Kalasangama project, where we reused old doors and windows to keep the memory of the structure alive. - Community-led public space projects really matter to me. I prefer working with residents, not just for them. Camps, outdoor museums, and school courtyards become places where everyone feels some ownership. - Adaptive reuse in urban design lets us respect history while keeping spaces useful for today. ### My Approach No fixed style here. I shape each project around its context, with curiosity and a sense of shared responsibility. Mistakes happen, and sometimes ideas don’t land, but I keep learning from every experience. ## Highlights Browse through Meeta Jain Architects's best work. ### [Featured](https://mytribe.in/meetajain_architects/urban-design-placemaking/featured) - ![This is the Ashadeep Vidyashram in rural Varanasi, illuminated by the community it serves. For me, this image captures the essence of my belief that education is not about filling a vessel but kindling a flame, and architecture can be the hearth that holds it.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d4fbff61-d775-4953-8540-e1b9a7122ac7) - [Video: I am filled with deep gratitude to share that our project, Ashadeep Vidyashram, was recognized as Runner-up for the Most Sustainable Building at the Wade Asia Awards. This video offers a glimpse into the project's journey, from architectural plans and construction to the living, breathing school it is today, a space I see as a playful spaceship of dreams for its students.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/68ae9e53-ab79-4a80-ab25-3c34f2926a4b) - ![A close look at the window facade of the Kalasangama project. We repurposed old doors and windows from the original site, arranging them into this intricate mosaic. This practice of adaptive reuse is central to my work, allowing us to honor a place's history while creating something entirely new and vibrant.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2a7d34fb-d71c-4a4a-bb96-7d854fefecbd) - ![This is "Hoard Enations," a surrealist, steampunk-inspired illustration of 1 Shanthi Road by the talented architect Ajith Salvin. It was created during our Playfield 1SR workshop and represents the frantic, creative energy of the space. It shows how architecture can be interpreted and reimagined through art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/33273a00-4bad-4ace-9bef-7d1e151995f0) - ![The courtyard of Ashadeep school transforms into a community hearth during the "Thandd Bhagao" night. Seeing the space filled with the warmth of a bonfire and the joy of the students is the true measure of success. It affirms my goal to create spaces that are not just built, but truly lived in.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f130f76d-20a8-413e-a709-0b3abbed817a) - [Video: These are the conceptual site plans for the Hutti Museum Park. This project represents my work on a larger, urban scale, envisioning a public space that integrates landscape, culture, and community engagement. The design explores the potential of the site through phased development and artistic interpretation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3dbe934d-81da-4f91-bdfc-47e799161468) - [Video: This short film offers an introduction to my journey and philosophy as an architect. It traces my path from my studies at CEPT to the founding of my studio and the MapBee design collective, highlighting the mentors and ideas that have shaped my approach to creating living, connected ecosystems.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/81afc2e1-4c8d-4d0c-a416-9972e05eabd2) - [Video: The western sun and a gentle breeze animate the interior of the Kalasangama house. The design of the space, particularly the large, reclaimed-wood windows, was intended to capture these natural elements. It demonstrates how thoughtful design can create a constant, quiet dialogue between the inside and the outside.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/89deb7dd-6172-4824-bdbe-5df7e5fde027) ### [Ashadeep Vidyashram: A Sanctuary for Learning](https://mytribe.in/meetajain_architects/urban-design-placemaking/ashadeep-vidyashram-a-sanctuary-for-learning) - [Video: This video chronicles the creation of Ashadeep Vidyashram, from initial concept to its recognition at the Wade Asia Awards. It showcases the architectural drawings, the hands-on construction process, and the final building being used with pride by its students and teachers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/68ae9e53-ab79-4a80-ab25-3c34f2926a4b) - ![The school illuminated by diyas on a festive evening. This moment perfectly illustrates the project's spirit, a place of light and learning deeply embedded in its community. It is a visual representation of education as a guiding flame.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d4fbff61-d775-4953-8540-e1b9a7122ac7) - ![Students and staff gather around a bonfire in the school's central courtyard for a winter celebration. This image shows the building acting as a vessel for community life, a warm and protective space that encourages gathering and shared experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f130f76d-20a8-413e-a709-0b3abbed817a) ### [1 Shanthi Road: An Urban Art & Culture Hub](https://mytribe.in/meetajain_architects/urban-design-placemaking/1-shanthi-road-an-urban-art-culture-hub) - [Video: A glimpse into the 'Playfield 1SR' workshop, an immersive studio I curated to celebrate 20 years of 1 Shanthi Road. This video shows the creative process as young architects and artists developed new artistic representations of the building's architecture and lived life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b25e077f-c3f9-4ceb-a734-73401b482674) - [Video: A heartfelt moment from the 20th-anniversary celebration of 1 Shanthi Road, honoring its founder, Suresh Jayaram. This space has taught me how to pump life into architecture, and it was a privilege to be the architect for such a vital cultural legacy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f19fb211-657a-4559-9e21-0af7c056084f) - [Video: An attendee at the Playfield 1SR exhibition closely examines an artwork with a magnifying glass. This captures the spirit of the show, which invited viewers to look deeper, decipher layers of meaning, and engage with the space in a new way.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f77afefb-2a63-45c8-92e2-0f6fcc962d85) - !["Hoard Enations" by Ajith Salvin, a detailed axonometric drawing that reimagines 1 Shanthi Road as a complex, industrial machine. This piece is a bold and intuitive take on the constant flow of art and ideas that pass through the space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/33273a00-4bad-4ace-9bef-7d1e151995f0) - [Video: The artwork "Portrait of A House" by Aranya Naganur, shown here as both a paper cutout and a large-scale projection. This piece merges the founder's identity with the building's architecture, exploring how a person can become the embodiment of a space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6e78b977-249e-42d2-bf91-e37ae14e59f8) - [Video: This video highlights the intricate details of Sadhvi Lakhnapal's work, "Wherever you are is the point of entry." She used only text as a tool to represent the space, creating a complex composition that asks profound questions about art, architecture, and self-discovery.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/26032d48-5884-4562-8cdd-648b4a7ee745) - ![Vidya Ruparelia's artwork for Playfield 1SR, projected onto the gallery floor. Her piece abstracts architectural elements of 1 Shanthi Road into a dynamic composition, exploring the idea of filling a cosmic void with form and meaning.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ae714333-288f-4d6c-b949-8b8c085f080c) - ![A creative photograph by Bakul Jani, transforming the iconic red spiral staircase of 1 Shanthi Road into a symmetrical, deity-like figure. This artistic interpretation reveals the hidden characters and personalities within the architecture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3e751613-e6b6-4812-a647-5c4dae41e8b9) - ![The promotional graphic for Ajith Salvin's artwork, "Hoard Enations." The title itself is a play on words, referencing the hoarding nature of a collector and the idea of emanations, or things that flow out from a source.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/46ced51a-6e4b-48ae-a770-8ccd1b92c900) - [Video: The official announcement for "At the Crossroads of Time," the exhibition celebrating 20 years of 1 Shanthi Road. The graphic features a stylized elevation of the building, inviting the public to explore its rich history.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a4f84c84-bbb0-4972-b875-2d2b466ed7c5) ### [Adaptive Reuse & Contextual Design](https://mytribe.in/meetajain_architects/urban-design-placemaking/adaptive-reuse-contextual-design) - ![The facade of the Kalasangama residence, composed of upcycled doors and windows from the original structure. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also embeds the memory of the old building into the new one, creating a rich visual texture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2a7d34fb-d71c-4a4a-bb96-7d854fefecbd) - [Video: This video captures the atmosphere inside the Kalasangama house, where the play of light and shadow through the unique window design creates a serene and dynamic living space. It is a home designed to breathe with the natural rhythms of the day.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/89deb7dd-6172-4824-bdbe-5df7e5fde027) - [Video: This is a behind-the-scenes moment of installing artwork within a newly designed space. For me, architecture and art are inseparable. The process of curating and placing art is a critical step in completing the story of a home.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d87d0abd-741e-4b0b-acf5-7bade9049c28) ### [Placemaking & Public Art](https://mytribe.in/meetajain_architects/urban-design-placemaking/placemaking-public-art) - [Video: Conceptual drawings and site plans for the Hutti Museum Park. This project is an exercise in large-scale placemaking, designed to create a public park that tells a story, facilitates social ecosystems, and connects with its natural and cultural landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3dbe934d-81da-4f91-bdfc-47e799161468) - [Video: A Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata reinterpreting Van Gogh's "Starry Night." I am deeply inspired by this kind of ephemeral architecture, where artists create breathtaking public installations that transform the street and bring art to everyone.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/387c0c18-4e37-4130-b2c0-87f96d8cf390) - [Video: The Hatibagan pandal during Durga Puja, showcasing incredible craftsmanship with bamboo and thread. These temporary structures are powerful examples of community-led placemaking, creating sacred and celebratory spaces within the urban fabric.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e0d1a1a9-694b-47db-920b-5ab63b7e098f) ### [My Philosophy & Voice](https://mytribe.in/meetajain_architects/urban-design-placemaking/my-philosophy-voice) - [Video: This video provides a narrative of my architectural journey, my core beliefs, and the evolution of my practice. It explains the "why" behind my work, from the influence of my mentors to the creation of the MapBee collective for social change.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/81afc2e1-4c8d-4d0c-a416-9972e05eabd2) - ![Presenting my work and philosophy at the Young Architects Festival. The presentation slide shows the MapBee framework, which connects diverse fields like policy, art, and design to spark small but impactful changes in our cities.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f7a8b604-6c33-4f1e-858c-ec7fd04c3ea1) - ![Speaking at the "En-gendering Architecture" panel at the Young Architects Festival 2022. These opportunities to share my journey are important for reflecting on the deeper aspects of my practice and connecting with the next generation of architects.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/23dab6d6-77ff-43be-875c-5789a5e406de) - ![A page from my feature in Art and Design Dimensions magazine, where I discuss the motivations behind my work. I explain my deep connection to art and how architecture serves as a vessel for energy exchange and artistic activity.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/95b3edaa-b726-4a7f-b4ea-d53d7df27345) - ![Another excerpt from the Art and Design Dimensions feature. Here, I discuss how MapBee projects use interactive exhibitions, outdoor museums, and other strategies to spark connection and illuminate larger social purposes beyond traditional architecture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/33d26609-7f14-4d19-bdc5-e9c6e08cad2a) ## Meet your expert [Meeta Jain Architects](https://mytribe.in/meetajain_architects) ### My story I started doodling before I could spell my name, honestly. Studied at CEPT in Ahmedabad, learned architecture’s not just about buildings—it’s about art, space, people. Delhi raised me, but Bangalore let me breathe and build my own rhythm. Set up my studio in 2000, then came 1 Shanthi Road—helped me see how creative spaces shape culture. MapBee happened in 2009, bringing folks together for small city changes. Mentoring students—watching them get it, that’s the real high. Full circle, as they say. ### My work - **What We Do**: We design homes, artist studios, community spaces, educational places for kids, and public art through MapBee. - **Art Meets Architecture**: For us, context-aware architecture and art are one thing—each project tells its own story, never just a style. - **Design Process**: No fixed style here. Every project is a fresh journey, shaped by close teamwork and trust with clients. - **Materials We Love**: We play with natural, raw stuff—exposed brick, steel, RCC—mixing light and heavy, up and down, grounded and skyward. - **Spaces for Change - MapBee**: MapBee is about temporary public spaces, workshops, and preserving history—sparking community and new ways to connect. ## More services from Meeta Jain Architects - [Architectural, Interior & Landscape Design](https://mytribe.in/meetajain_architects/architectural-interior-landscape-design) · ₹150-400 per sq.ft (estimate) - [Architectural Education & Mentoring](https://mytribe.in/meetajain_architects/architectural-education-mentoring) · ₹2-25K per student per workshop (estimate) ## Book To book Meeta Jain Architects, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Urban%20Design%20%26%20Placemaking%20by%20Meeta%20Jain%20Architects.)