A little bit of wisdom from little Bangaloreans

At BLR Design Centre, we strive to create spaces where urban history, design, and dialogue come together. One such moment unfolded during our recent ‘Walk on Bangalore’ session, where we hosted curious little humans from Tapas Education . What began as a lesson in Bengaluru’s layered history transformed into a profound exploration of the city's challenges and opportunities, as seen through the lens of its young citizens.?

Through archival maps, stories, and anecdotes, the students traced the evolution of Bengaluru, from its lakes and neighbourhoods to its markets and iconic landmarks. But their engagement didn’t stop at absorbing facts. Upon returning to their school, they were filled with urgent questions that cut to the heart of urban design and governance in the city. Innocently worded, these questions are thought provoking, especially today, when the ‘adults’ are trying to build the city for them.???

• How can people build on lakes? What happens to all the fish in the lake??
• Do the Petes still sell the items they were named after?
• Who should we approach to share our ideas about the city?
• Is there a way to stop buildings from being constructed on lakes?
• Are lakes more important, or are bus stations like Majestic and markets??

These questions, straightforward yet profound, reflect a clarity often lost in adult discourse. They highlight the tension between development and heritage, growth and sustainability, and raise critical issues about accountability and inclusion in urban planning.?

?Learning from the Questions?

1. Building on Lakes: The concern over disappearing lakes and their ecosystems underscores the urgent need for sustainable urban planning. These children instinctively recognize the value of preserving natural water bodies—not just for ecological balance but for the identity and well-being of the city.?
2. Preserving Heritage: The question about Petes and their historical relevance touches on Bengaluru’s evolving character. Are we losing touch with the cultural and economic vibrancy that defined these spaces? How can we strike a balance between preserving heritage and adapting to modern needs??
3. Young (not only youth) Engagement in Urban Governance: When they asked, “Who do we approach with our ideas?” it became evident that the city lacks accessible platforms for their participation. Their eagerness to contribute reveals an untapped potential that city planners and policymakers must engage with meaningfully.?
4. Balancing Priorities: The debate over lakes versus bus stations and markets reflects the complex trade-offs cities face. It’s a reminder that urban design isn’t about choosing one over the other but finding integrated solutions that respect the interconnectedness of resources, infrastructure, and communities.??

A Call to Action?

As urban professionals, these questions challenge us to rethink our approach. Are we designing cities that reflect the aspirations and needs of future generations? Are we creating effective avenues for children and youth to contribute to discussions about their city??

The ‘Walk on Bangalore’ session reaffirmed that fostering such dialogues is vital. At BLR Design Centre, we aim to amplify these voices, integrating them into the larger narrative of Bengaluru’s growth. By doing so, we hope to build a city that balances progress with preservation, innovation with inclusivity—a Bengaluru that truly belongs to everyone.?

The children’s questions are a call to action for us all: to listen, engage, and build a better city, together.?

-By Nidhi Bhatnagar