Bengaluru: The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has invited designers, architects, artists, students and citizens to submit ideas for improving the city’s streets and public spaces under its ‘Bengaluru Design’ initiative.

Selected proposals will be showcased at Bengaluru Jatre, scheduled to be held from December 4 to 13. The most promising ideas will also be shared with the relevant city corporations for possible implementation, subject to technical, financial and operational feasibility.

The initiative aims to encourage public participation in creating practical, affordable and inclusive urban spaces that improve the everyday experience of residents.

Designs sought for everyday urban infrastructure

Under the initiative, participants can submit proposals for a range of public infrastructure elements, including streetlights, bus stops, public benches, road medians, waste bins, signboards and neighbourhood identities.

The GBA is also inviting ideas to improve a 500-metre stretch of Bengaluru, with proposals expected to address aspects such as pedestrian movement, road crossings, greenery, lighting and accessibility.

The initiative seeks to bring creative thinking into the design of everyday public infrastructure, with an emphasis on making streets safer, more accessible and more pleasant for residents.

According to the GBA, proposals should be affordable, inclusive, durable and scalable. Participants are also expected to consider maintenance requirements, existing infrastructure and the operational constraints faced by civic agencies.

The focus is on ideas that can be translated into practical solutions rather than designs that remain conceptual or are difficult to implement.

Krishna Byre Gowda calls for public participation

Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has invited residents to contribute ideas for improving the city’s public spaces.

“A city is experienced not just through its major infrastructure, but through the everyday spaces people use,” he said.

The initiative seeks to draw on the expertise of professionals as well as the experiences of citizens who use Bengaluru’s roads, footpaths, bus stops and neighbourhood spaces daily.

By inviting participation from different groups, the GBA aims to encourage a wider range of perspectives on how public infrastructure can be designed to better serve the city’s population.

The proposals could cover individual street furniture and infrastructure elements or offer a broader vision for improving a selected stretch of road.

Jury to evaluate proposals for Bengaluru Jatre

A jury constituted by the GBA will assess the submissions. Shortlisted designs will be exhibited at Bengaluru Jatre, which will run from December 4 to 13.

The strongest proposals will subsequently be shared with the relevant city corporations for consideration. Their implementation will depend on technical assessments, available funding and operational feasibility.

Selected designers will also be invited to meet Krishna Byre Gowda to discuss their proposals and explore opportunities to take the ideas forward.

The exhibition is expected to provide a platform for presenting potential solutions to Bengaluru’s public-space challenges and connecting designers with civic authorities.

However, selection for exhibition or further consideration will not automatically guarantee implementation, as the proposals must meet the requirements of the concerned civic agencies.

How to submit entries

Interested designers, architects, artists, students and members of the public must submit their proposals by November 15.

Entries should be emailed to [email protected].

Applicants can propose designs for individual urban infrastructure elements or suggest improvements for a 500-metre stretch of the city. Proposals should account for accessibility, durability, affordability, maintenance and the practical requirements of implementation.

Through the Bengaluru Design initiative, the GBA aims to turn public creativity into workable ideas for improving the city’s streets and shared spaces, with the shortlisted proposals set to receive a public platform at Bengaluru Jatre in December.