Dalit Dialogues: Reclaiming Space and Identity
I was the kid who always carried a novel with her everywhere. I was drawn to stories, places, and the emotions they evoked. Over time, this expanded into a fascination with spaces and how they shape the way we live. That curiosity evolved into a desire to become an architect who could design with intention and meaning. When doing my Masters degree, I became aware of the inequalities embedded in our built environments, and the political dimensions of architecture. I felt a strong pull toward creating something for the Dalit communities in India, whose struggles and strengths often go unacknowledged in mainstream discourse.
My thesis seeks to rethink the social and working environments of Dalit fisherfolk living in Foreshore Estate, Chennai. The intent is to approach the design not only as functional necessities but as expressions of identity and resilience. The aim is to examine what can be done differently—how spatial design can support community life and foster visibility. Through sensitive interventions rooted in the site’s unique socio-cultural and geographical context, the thesis proposes an improved neighbourhood that elevates both daily experience of its inhabitants and public perception. In doing so, it hopes to position design as an active participant in reshaping narratives, amplifying voices, and enabling more inclusive urban futures.
To critically explore the potential of design across different conditions, the project is developed through two temporal lenses: What if the intervention had occurred in 2014?—prior to the construction of TNHB housing; and What if the intervention takes place in 2025?—within the constraints of the current housing blocks and socio-political climate. This dual-timeline approach allows reflection on both missed opportunities and future possibilities, reinforcing the role of design in mediating between memory, identity, and livelihood.
