South India has thousands of brick dilapidated buildings, which may disappear due to neglect, lax laws, and ignorance. The author of Brick Architecture Craft in South India, Priya Joseph, explores how these buildings serve as archives, embedded with rich historical and cultural information, offering a decolonial perspective on architecture through detailed and beautiful drawings.

This method of analyzing buildings as archival records of construction brings focus to the ‘makers’ and the agency of local craftspeople, rather than an Anglo-centric gaze. Notable brick structures, such as the ornate and structurally rich Chatrams of Thanjavur, Rosary Church in Hassan, Fort School, St. Andrew’s Kirk, and even Sabha, the venue of this event in Bengaluru, are among the many cases examined.

The book connects the history of brick architecture to its contemporary challenges and transformations. Through rich visual drawings and photographs, it makes a compelling case for viewing buildings as archives, bringing lesser-known architectural examples to the forefront. The book is the result of eight years of research, drawing, and reflection on earth and architecture in South India. It is published by Routledge (London/New York, 2025).

The illustrated talk will be followed by a discussion with leading Bangalore-based architect Vijay Narnapatti, where Priya and Vijay will delve into the many intriguing aspects of brick architecture.