Conferences & Papers
Gender, Work & Organisation, 2021
NAVIGATING INTERSECTIONAL EXCLUSION IN "PUBLIC SPACES" OF THE GLOBAL SOUTH
Presented By : Ar. Lakshmi Srinivasan
Location : E-Conference (hosted by University of Kent, United Kingdom)
Dates : 30th June -2nd July, 2021
Brief :
n this paper, I shall propose the use of intersectionality theory as a mechanism to create more inclusive spatial design practices and to navigate exclusion in public spaces. This shall be done through my reflections on an academic project on a public transit station in Chennai, India. I shall elucidate on the following methods of understanding exclusions through an intersectional lens :
- Construction of cognitive maps to understand individuals’ journeys through space and time in public spaces, as functions of their identities.
- A visual tool to examine dynamic intersectional identities - as complex identities that change with time.
Link to the Full Paper : Coming Soon
Conference Website : https://www.facebook.com/gwo2021/
ICCPP Conference 2020
BORDERING PROCESSES: THE EVOLUTION OF SOCIAL BORDERS IN THE TIME OF PANDEMIC
Co-Authored By : Dr. Reem Sultan & Ar. Lakshmi Srinivasan
Location of Conference : E-Conference (hosted by University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka)
Conference Dates : 15th-18th December, 2020
ISSN : 2448-9247
Published in "Cities, People & Places"
Brief :
In this paper, we propose to examine the emerging consequences of changing social order in India and Bahrain from the lens of border theory. In the contexts of both countries, border theory has been used to offer insights into the following questions:
- How can we analyze pandemic response strategies employed so far and identify the causes for their lack of success?
- Who are the re-bordering and de-bordering processes serving and who are they excluding?
- What needs to change with individual strategies that can make pandemic planning more inclusive?
Link to the Full Talk (Video) : https://youtu.be/f1fwK6Mnf_A
Conference Website : iccpp.lk/
Building Narrative 2019
EXAMINING SHARED SPACES THROUGH AN INTERSECTIONAL LENS
Presented By : Ar. Lakshmi Srinivasan
Location : Catholic University of Portugal, Lisbon
Dates : 5th-6th December, 2019
Popular literature in spatial discourse discusses exclusions of larger groups of people with overarching common identities (gendered - women 2 , transmen & transwomen, age - old & young, disabled 3 etc.). When discussing multiple “layers” of exclusion acting on one individual, intersectionality theory has the potential to offer better insights. Intersectionality theory considers that various aspects of an individual’s identity do not exist in isolation but rather as complexly interlinked aspects of an individual’s identity. In this paper, I present my reflections and studies based on two academic projects - one on a public transit station in Chennai, India and the other on shared “common spaces” in Zaatari refugee camp, Jordan. Both studies examine social interactions and cognitive experiences of different individuals in these two shared spaces of seemingly contrasting political and social natures, through the lens of intersectionality.
Conference Website : buildingnarrative.wordpress.com
LeNS Conference 2019
SOCIAL INEQUITY IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE & ITS IMPACT ON A CITY’S SUSTAINABILITY
Presented By : Ar. Lakshmi Srinivasan
Location : Bengaluru (hosted by Srishti Institute of Art, Design & Technology in Bengaluru)
Dates : 3rd-5th April, 2019
Brief :
This paper proposes an alternative way of understanding social inclusion with respect to sustainability. Rather than treating inclusion as a consequence of sustainable development, it seeks to position inclusive approaches in spatial design as pathways and enablers of more sustainable cities in the global south. This approach also presents social inclusion as an opportunity-provider for sustainability as opposed to popular narratives that present it as an opportunity created by sustainable development. Through the context of the Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS) stations in Chennai, the paper shall address this method in two parts-
1) Through existing narratives of social exclusion while navigating through a Chennai MRTS station
2) Establishing connections between the discussed social exclusion and overall usage of public transport in a city.
Link to the Full Paper : https://cutt.ly/ic8vjnQ
Link to the Full Talk (Video) : Coming Soon
Conference Website : lensconference3.org/
Architecture Fringe 2017
WAR ZONE CREATIVES : EXHIBIT
Exhibit By : Beimeng Zhang, Houfai Pang, Hua Li, Lakshmi Srinivasan
Location : St. Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, UK
Dates : 5th to 23rd July, 2017
Understanding impact of hegemonic and non-hegemonic power interactions in the Za'atri refugee camp, Jordan in 2017.
Special Thanks to Dr. Aya Musmar & Dr. Nishat Awan.
Click on GIF to play in full-screen
Click on GIF to play in full-screen
PhD By Design, 2017
BEYOND BORDERS
Paper & Presentation By : Lakshmi Srinivasan
Based on Project By : Beimeng Zhang, Hua Li, Lakshmi Srinivasan, Pooya Hosseini, Ebru Sen & Xinfei Zhao
Location : St. Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, UK
Dates : 3rd-4th April, 2017
Presented my group's research project "Beyond Borders"(developed during the course of my MA) along with personal reflections expressed through my poems. The project predominantly focused on the urban and architectural characteristics of Immigration Removal Centers and their role in the political workings of the Border. In the presentation, I explored the importance of subjective narratives and the activist & transformative power of design research, within the context of the project. The abstract of my presentation was published in the instant journal, issue 04.
