CHENNAI: The one-hour walk titled, ‘Houses of Mylapore: Design and Architecture’, was held on Sunday evening. It focused on traditional house designs, construction techniques, and the social influences reflected in the exterior facades.

Organised by Ashmitha Athreya, an architect and Head of Operations at Madras Inherited, the walk began at the Jain Temple on Kutchery Road at 4.30 pm and covered streets including Arunachala Mudali Street and Bazaar Road.

Athreya has been conducting heritage walks full-time (both paid and free) across the city for more than six years. “Walking through the streets of Mylapore allows us to understand how social and cultural influences have shaped house designs over time. This was my first heritage walk in Mylapore, and it was fascinating to see the interest from participants,” said Athreya.

The walk attracted people from all age groups and backgrounds. “This walk gave me a fresh perspective on traditional architecture. I never realised how much thought went into the design of these houses,” said Srinivasan, a civil engineer.

“It helped us reflect on our own ideas and see how modern architecture has evolved from basic principles of these traditional buildings,” said Varun, an architect.

The walk provided attendees with the opportunity to observe architectural details often overlooked, such as ornamental windows, intricately carved doors, and the use of local materials. Courtyards, verandahs, and entrance layouts were explained as examples of how functional and social considerations shaped the homes.