Art deco (sometimes referred to as deco) is a style of visual arts, architecture and design that first appeared in France. The deco buildings in Madras are found in pockets, in various historic localities (Royapettah, Poonamallee High Road, Nungambakkam) of the city as compared to the continuous stretch of buildings in Mumbai. “The typologies are also distinctly localised with talkies (cinema halls), sprawling bungalows and majestic clock towers at prominent nodes, dotting the city. Many institutional buildings, hotels and commercial establishments can also be found in this style of architecture. However, over the past few years, we have lost such masterpieces to the pressures of re-development. Indo Saracenic architecture was dominating the architecture style in Madras. Later, there was a shift from colonial style to a more modern style. Visual/digital documentation would help us understand and appreciate such an architectural style that paved the way to a modern metropolis. I believe that a requiem to the buildings that we’ve lost would help us appreciate what we have and join hands in preservation/conservation,” the architect explains.