Reclaiming Sound while Adapting a Post-Industrial Landscape
Growing up in Delhi, India, I was constantly struck by the contrast in how people live — from those without shelter to others occupying homes that were technically ‘complete’ but far from user-centric. During my internship in Delhi and now while running a small interior design practice with a colleague, I’ve seen first-hand how design can empower or alienate, depending on how thoughtfully it’s done. This disparity sharpened my focus on human-centred design — architecture that is deeply functional, emotional, and inclusive.
This project at Mayfield, Manchester, is a response to that vision. I wanted to design not just a building, but a space that listens. The Star & Garter — a Grade II listed structure — stands as a remnant of Manchester’s industrial and musical past. Yet, despite its historical and cultural weight, it had become isolated and underused. I saw in it the potential to become a living, breathing support system for the hidden musicians and creatives that still thrive in the surrounding neighbourhood.
The design integrates a performance space, underground recording studios, a café, and social zones that remain active through the day. The architecture adapts — through flexible zoning, layered acoustic strategies, and a naturally embedded underground level that respects both the site’s topography and its heritage. The space invites both creative production and casual engagement. It's inclusive, not exclusive.
For me, this project is about creating platforms — literal and metaphorical — for people to find their voice. It reflects not only my commitment to detail and usability but also to designing with empathy. In a way, this isn’t just architecture. It’s a quiet amplifier for people who need to be heard.
