Papers by Sarah J A V E D Shah
SSM - Qualitative Research in Health, 2024
Healing gardens, a longstanding feature of medical institutions, have garnered attention from sch... more Healing gardens, a longstanding feature of medical institutions, have garnered attention from scholars for their health-promoting properties across various stages of research. Through a historical literature review and contemporary case analysis of healing gardens, this research investigates how to achieve therapeutic integration by fostering effective connections between buildings and nature through typological design. Combined with qualitative and design-driven research methodologies, including the use of visualization tools such as drawings, models, and images, six models of building-nature integration in contemporary healthcare architecture are identified. This article bridges a research gap in the field of healing garden design and concludes by demonstrating that “typology” is only a design strategy according to context and building performance. In addition to positions of healing gardens, critical factors such as spatial organization, aesthetics, and sustainability, incorporating elements such as accessibility, readability, comfort, and ecological factors, must be carefully considered to achieve integration.
Journal of Art, Architecture and Built Environment (JAABE)Volume 6 Issue 2, Fall 2023, 2023
Several cities were struck by the global COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020. The rapid and hazard... more Several cities were struck by the global COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020. The rapid and hazardous spread of the crisis resulted in a profound urban transformation, changing the fundamentals of urban living. This research provides a perspective regarding the vulnerability and resilience of cities, particularly their public spaces. Public spaces, a significant component of the urban realm, remained fundamental in transforming cities during the pandemic. Implementing radical measures to minimize the spread of the virus and adopting emergency plans to resist the subsequent socioeconomic collapse demonstrated the varying yet synchronized stance on resilience. Two key approaches are used to pursue the concept of resilience as a strategic framework for public spaces. These include a balancing or bounce-back approach, which supports the idea of 'return to normal'. The other is an evolutionary or bounce-forward tactic, characterized by adaptive capacity and transformation. This research reflects on the adaptive capacity of 'resilience' in public spaces, in which 'tactical urbanism' as an effective tool is used to create flexible, low-cost, and temporary design strategies to achieve public health goals and urban sustainability. It also discusses the examples of tactical interventions in public spaces during the pandemic and manifests the strength of temporary tactics to bring long-term change. The research concludes by proposing a new paradigm for public space planning, associating tactical urbanism and incorporating the evolutionary or adaptive capacity of resilience. The discussed strategies instil a vision for designing resilient public spaces for highly anticipated future pandemics and other hazards.
INTERIORITY, 2023
In the contemporary debate, the notion of interiority has expanded beyond the confines of the int... more In the contemporary debate, the notion of interiority has expanded beyond the confines of the interior, in the urban realm, as a conjunction of urban and interior conditions. This article aims to contribute to the discourse, using the lens of urban interiority to explore the unique spatial character and distinct cultural practices in Lahore's Delhi Gate Bazaar. The bazaar exists on a linear passageway, the Royal Trail, as a network of interior, exterior, and in-between spaces-establishing a spatial continuum by blurring the boundaries between the public and private and uninterrupted flow of spaces from outside to inside. This urban space has a strong sense of history, culture, and traditions; constructing personal and collective engagement through modes of space inhabitation and appropriation. These practices include temporal improvisation and modification of certain aspects for everyday use and environmental alteration for achieving thermal comfort, along with synchronised occurrences of cultural traditions and commercial activities. This article interprets observations through drawings to describe the experience of space through gradations of interiority and transition through thresholds, constructing visual narratives of diverse uses, activities, and the interaction between people, objects, and space.
In Pakistan, power outages have become frequent over the past two decades, due to a continuing en... more In Pakistan, power outages have become frequent over the past two decades, due to a continuing energy crisis. Reliance on machines for thermal comfort of buildings has led to high energy demands of the increasing population. The negative impacts of artificial environments have, also, diminished the sense of place, biophilia and cultural values. Moreover, globalization has standardized the built environments, causing a lack of regional identity and an absence of climate sensitivity in design. Keeping all these issues in focus, this article re-examines the fundamental aspects of traditional architecture and aims to stimulate architects and designers to create sustainable and life-enriching designs, which are appropriate for contemporary times. In this research, the first two levels of Deep Beauty (functional and typological) are used, as a conceptual framework for sustainable design, to analyse a representative of a traditional courtyard house. In conjunction with the theoretical underpinnings of the Deep Beauty framework, the analysis utilizes photographs, drawings, and diagrams to support the arguments. The research shows that the traditional court- yard house possesses numerous attributes of sustainable design, which can be incorporated into contemporary house design.
Journal of Art, Architecture and Built Environment (JAABE), 2022
There is growing apprehension about the well-being and substantiality of our planet due to global... more There is growing apprehension about the well-being and substantiality of our planet due to global warming, rising energy consumption by the building sector, and depletion of natural resources. Architects and designers are in pursuit of the methods that may prove useful to limit the negative impacts of the building sector in order to respond to the changing needs of contemporary times. In Pakistan, along with the use and development of technologically advanced approaches, the revival of traditional vernacular architecture is seen as a way to achieve a sustainable future. In this study, the HarSukh Mansion, designed by the renowned traditionalist architect Kamil Khan Mumtaz, wasevaluatedbased on the functional level of the Deep Beauty framework. In addition to examining the pragmatic needs of the users with respect to the building architecture, the case study also investigated the fundamentals of sustainable living, including modern passive energy strategies, recycling of natural resources, use of locally available building materials, and various traditional design elements and strategies. The analysis determined that Deep Beauty in architecture can be used to build a sustainable future for the building sector.
The term “interiority” means inner character or subjectivity and adhere to the vocabulary of conf... more The term “interiority” means inner character or subjectivity and adhere to the vocabulary of confinement, enclosure, privacy, shelter, etc. In the architectural discourse, the notion of interiority has been frequently used to refer to conscious awareness, individuality, subjectivity, along with the inherent characteristic of the interior, besides the description of the nature of certain urban or exterior spaces. As a prospect to retort to various design questions of public space, this paper attempts to interpret interiority where it is formed by many conditions such as psychological, environmental, spatial, formal, programmatic, or a combination of all. With an assumption that interiority is a shared underlying aspect contributing towards the effective public qualities, some key instances of urban public space have been discussed and synthesized to illustrate the potential paradigm of the design practice. For further research, the paradigm will be “reversed”, in the realm of interior public spaces, as complex settings with a continuous flow of space, surfaces, forms, and voids, beyond architectural façade, through a blurred threshold between interior and urban (or exterior).
Sindh Antiquities , 2020
During the medieval period, the function of Islamic mausolea and tombs was not limited simply to ... more During the medieval period, the function of Islamic mausolea and tombs was not limited simply to places of interment or commemoration, but they had, and some continue having significant social, political as well as religious values associated with them. Using case studies and general observations this paper examines how the form, placement, and ornamentation (including epigraphic content) of Islamic funerary architecture, was employed by the patrons for the expression of state ideology, religious values, and dimensions of communal identity. For this purpose, the examples discussed are limited to royal and tribal tombs that were constructed between the twelfth and mid-seventeenth centuries, mainly in the Indian subcontinent. The chronological development of funerary architecture is analyzed with reference to the religious, political and social situation of that time. Such an analysis provides important information about the history, ideology, religious values and economic status of their patrons in particular and their socio-cultural group in general. The research links architectural design features of Islamic tombs, including both form and function, with the sequential arrival of the rulers and the response of the indigenous Indian people. This correlation evinces their interpretation of the Islamic religion, the development of new construction techniques, in addition to many other social influences.
Islamic architecture is predominantly rich in ornamentation, and therefore, perfectly epitomizes ... more Islamic architecture is predominantly rich in ornamentation, and therefore, perfectly epitomizes the phenomenon of "cosmophilia"meaning "love of ornament." Taking this association as a point of departure, this article focuses on broadly identifying notions of cosmophilia in Islamic monuments that offer the finest and most varied examples of architectural ornamentation. In Islamic structures, where singular and unique ornamental devices can be located, the artistic programs of several monuments are concurrently found to be characterized by the "repeat ornament"decorative elements replicated many times to envelope the façades in entirety. In this article, a variety of structures, erected under different dynastic polities from the medieval and early modern Islamic world, have been examined to understand the connotations and meanings attached to the Islamic ornaments. This will be done by looking at figural imageries, geometric and vegetal motifs, calligrams synthesizing images and texts, as well as structural and non-structural components integrated into the historic structures for aesthetic purposes. The ultimate goal of this study is to attempt an interpretation of the concepts and in some cases philosophical undertones, that were meant to be communicated through the Islamic architectural ornaments.
The journal of the Symmetrion, 2021
This abstract is an exploration of the presence of what Michael Mehaffy calls "deep symmetry" in ... more This abstract is an exploration of the presence of what Michael Mehaffy calls "deep symmetry" in Kamil Khan Mumtaz's design of the Baba Hassan Din Shrine (2005) in Lahore, Pakistan. The project signifies the creation of meaningful and beautiful architecture in contemporary times, through compound symmetries that interrelate, transform and combine, forming a coherent structure that is considered essential for human well-being.
Journal of the Research Society of Pakistan, 2021
In an attempt to learn from the wisdom of the past, this paper analyzes the architectural design ... more In an attempt to learn from the wisdom of the past, this paper analyzes the architectural design of a traditional courtyard house of Lahore, known as the Barood Khana Haveli. For this purpose, the archetypal level of the 'Deep Beauty Framework' is explored to find out the presence of geometry, number and proportion, as well as the inclusion of the four survival characteristics given by Grant Hildebrand (2008): complex order, prospect, refuge, enticement and peril. Among the various design strategies that are found in the haveli, this research discovers the use of root rectangles in the plans and geometric patterns of the six and eight-point stars in the decorative details. Examination of the prospect claiming courtyards, refuge spaces such as the verandahs, and paths that turn and disappear, offer inspirational ways in which designers can create more meaningful and life enhancing architectural experiences.
Quest for Architectural Identity of Pakistan: Ideological Shifts in the Works of Kamil Khan Mumtaz, 2021
Pakistan has a rich cultural history, originating from the prehistoric civilizations that flouris... more Pakistan has a rich cultural history, originating from the prehistoric civilizations that flourished thousands of years ago. Before ultimately becoming an independent country in 1947, the prolific lands that are now a part of present-day Pakistan, at one time or another, experienced the rule of Hindus, Buddhists, Greeks, Arabs, Mughals, Afghans, Sikhs, and British. Despite having such a diverse heritage, the contemporary architecture of this country appears to have lost its cultural and regional identity. Due to globalization and standardization, buildings of multiple architectural styles are visible throughout the country without any consideration of the context in terms of time and place. Such architecture is unable to evoke any connection between people, society, and culture. It is, therefore, unsustainable in its social, economic, cultural, and environmental framework. Most of the contemporary architects in Pakistan imitate the West, without the understanding of their own roots, yet frequently question the architectural identity of this region. Focusing on the architectural works of the renowned contemporary architect, Kamil Khan Mumtaz, this paper attempts to analyze how such questions on architectural identity can be answered. Kamil Khan Mumtaz is among the most prominent figures of the architectural profession in Pakistan. A recent recipient of the prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz award, he aspiringly synthesizes both pragmatic and philosophical facets of architecture. Throughout his career, he has been breaking new grounds in the conservation of architectural heritage, in addition to discovering and endorsing the principles used in the historic buildings of Pakistan. Through the study of Kamil Khan's significant works, this paper explores the Architect's professional journey, beginning as a trained Modernist, and then avidly shifting towards regionalism and traditionalism. It outlines the discourse by mapping the works in three distinctive phases of Kamil Khan's professional life and discusses the shift in his architectural ideology through time. which was in fact a quest for an "Architectural Identity" in search of a more appropriate architectural expression for Pakistan.
Pak. J. Engg. Appl. Sci. Vol. 25, 2019
Lahore is among the major urban centers in Pakistan, with increased energy demands, that has resu... more Lahore is among the major urban centers in Pakistan, with increased energy demands, that has resulted into frequent power blackouts. The growing population, economic disparities and competition, has further fueled the energy requirements and reliance on modern comforts [air-conditioners and heaters]. The standardized design layouts of modern houses suffer regional identity and continuity, that is typical of traditional residential settings rooted in time as they progressively evolved in response to cultural and climatic conditions of the city. This study employs the methodology of the "Deep Beauty Framework" [1] used by Coates that critically looks at architecture [in our case house types] on three levels: functional, typological and archetypal. The comparative analysis between a typical traditional courtyard house and a typical modern detached single-family house allows to understand the diametric conditions in design and planning of the two house-types. It also addresses the paradigm shifts driven by current socio-spatial and cultural conditions, establishing new trends for the future. We argue that the traditional courtyard house offers a valid proposition in the modern design and planning process. The design attributes of the traditional house instill a sense of place rooted in continuity with history, local/indigenous building materials and relies on passive heating and cooling techniques such as cross-ventilation, stack effect and evaporative cooling, that are legitimate propositions for a city that is frequently challenged by energy shortfalls till a permanent solution is achieved. Geometric patterns and arabesque design in the traditional house-types echo cultural continuity with spatial continuity that can be experienced throughout the house with prospect and refuge spaces [2] such as connected courtyards and verandas besides high ceilings for light and cooling. Courtyards in traditional house-types are known to engender social activities within the joint family system in more than one way. Conversely, the present-day detached single-family house in Lahore falls short in meeting the criteria established by the Deep Beauty Framework. The findings offer design opportunities to hybridize the unique spatial and physical characteristics of the traditional house with the spatial proclivities of the modern house for innovative designs that are more responsive to the current need, and to re-establish the continuity between the old and the new.
Conference Presentations by Sarah J A V E D Shah
CA2RE / CA2RE+ BELGRADE: DISPOSITIONS 7–9 NOVEMBER, 2024, 2024
Emerging design-driven (exploratory) research methodologies focus on drawing comparative relation... more Emerging design-driven (exploratory) research methodologies focus on drawing comparative relationships between identified elements, aspects, or phenomena. In this context, ‘dispositioning’ is an effective process for searching, questioning, and developing a nuanced understanding of relational complexities. This doctoral research moves in a symmetrical direction and ‘positions’ into the distinct paradigm of the conjunction of urban and interior realms. However, it does not set upon differences and contrasts but instead identifies similarities―overcoming polarities, developing relations, establishing connections, and fostering continuities. The research proposition “urban interiority as spatial continuum” transcends the conventional oppositions of space: inside/outside, urban/interior, and public/private. Design research profoundly relies on the visualization and representation of hypothesized concepts, with designers and design researchers bringing their own perceptions to interpret visual information. While subjectivity influences outcomes, it can be neutralized if every observer reads the space through specific lenses or spectacles. Therefore, this research constructs a set of lenses to explore urban interiority’s spatial formations beyond conventional understandings of space and recognize the intertwined nature of urban and interior conditions. The methodology includes the ‘dis(-)position’ of the ‘pro(-)position’ in a structured and strategic manner through ‘o(-)positioning’ in the contemporary architectural field of urban-interior. Subsequently, it relies on the ‘com(-)position’ of a (visual) design taxonomy to elaborate the lenses. It involves organizing and categorizing data to enhance understanding of the theoretical framework by identifying recurring patterns of spatial practices. This categorization allows for a comprehensive and structured presentation of visual narratives by developing people-centric drawings to illustrate the interaction between people, objects, and space.
CIPA | M International Congress for Architectural and Landscape Heritage - Malagueira, 2022
Throughout history, people, places, and regions developed unique characteristics that are meticul... more Throughout history, people, places, and regions developed unique characteristics that are meticulously knotted to the notion of “identity”. Prevalent cultural responses to the region’s geographic and environmental characteristics, establish an identity of a place and bring about sustainability. Place is not only a physical space, but exists in people’s memories and evokes emotions, experiences, and associations. Appointment of the “International” style, followed by globalization has resulted in a loss of identity in architecture, as the standardization of designs, materials, and construction methods leaves very little room for regional and cultural veracities of a place.
The South Asian region has undergone a profound transformation over the past few decades. Employment of new technologies, industry-produced building materials, and advanced construction methods, together with the adoption of western styles are deemed as an indication of economic growth and socio-cultural development. Pakistan, which originated in the pre-historic civilization of the Indus valley, possesses a rich cultural and architectural heritage, which has experienced decline and deterioration with the onset of modernization and globalization. The notion of identity in this country is rooted in historicism, nationalism, and the religion of Islam. The predominant dialect has tended to be quite diverse and is related to various periods in history, especially to indigenous cultural and architectural countenance. It is believed that cultural identity lies at the root of traditional and sustainable architecture. Even though ‘tradition’ is different from ‘heritage’ in the way that an entire legacy, including those aspects which may no longer exist in present practice or may never have become integrated into the popular culture, are still a part of heritage. Tradition is significant, as it is passed on from one generation to the other, based on its own deep-rooted culture and acquires a common identity. Some of the traditional forms become icons of an area or an era and are reproduced to symbolize and exalt the dreams of their patrons.
This paper is an attempt to redefine identity and the impact of globalization on regions with a rich heritage, taking the city of Lahore as an example. The historic city of Lahore is trying to reidentify itself as a global city while being rooted in its culture, tradition and heritage. For this, the cultural identity is assessed as a response to the globalization of cultural values and standardization of architectural practices. Through an exemplary case study, we analyse the role of traditional values associated with history, aesthetics, artistic values and authenticity on modern-day living to understand how the community relates to its cultural and social processes in contemporary times. The potential of traditional architecture is explored in terms of its sensitivity to prevailing social values and cultural norms in pursuit to find models that can present the identity of Lahore.
ArhiBau.hr 2022 Challenges of Recovery and Resilience, 2022
In this research, we analyze the economic sustainability through comparative cost analysis of the... more In this research, we analyze the economic sustainability through comparative cost analysis of the two contemporary residences of Lahore, Pakistan, built with contrasting materials and techniques. The first selected house is built using modern construction materials such as reinforced concrete, cement, steel, and brick; constructed in 9” and 4 ½” thick walls, and 6” RCC flat slab; with the architectural design following the western model of detached/ semi-detached family house with enclosed rooms with low ceiling height. The second selected residence is a traditional courtyard house constructed with vernacular building materials: lime mortar and brick, without any industry-produced materials; using traditional techniques of making arches, domes, and muqarnas, having thicker walls, elevated ceilings, and roofs with mud insulation.
Adequate evidence exists that industry-produced building materials, such as cement, concrete, and steel are not environmentally friendly with a higher carbon footprint, whilst the use of vernacular materials and indigenous techniques is a way towards sustainable development. We also considered other economic aspects such as time constraints, labour requirements, additional resource management, etc. This assessment will lead the stakeholders including the client, designer, and builder to consider an alternative approach of using traditional materials and methods while taking into account their long-term impacts.
Conference: RAVAGE OF THE PLANET IIIVolume: 148, 2011
In the developing world, despite official promotion and support, engineered structures continue t... more In the developing world, despite official promotion and support, engineered structures continue to fail to take root in post-event reconstruction efforts. Both 2005 Kashmir and 2001 Gujarat earthquakes are excellent case studies of owner preference in this regard where overwhelming majority of reconstructed building stock turned out to be non-engineered. Based upon first hand surveys of reconstruction after the Kashmir earthquake and other published studies, this paper attempts to analyse aspects of non-engineered construction that tend to make it more desirable to owners as compared with the engineered options. It finds that these aspects can be divided into two categories. The first one, not entirely specific to non-engineered structures, relates to aspects of physical design such as construction materials and techniques, as well as aesthetic and cultural aspects. The second and critically important aspect is the construction paradigm of the non-engineered structure which takes place within the larger construction milieu of the region. The paper analyses and contrasts the construction paradigm of both types of structures and identifies it as the key difference between the two. It further concludes that improving seismic performance of the non-engineered structure is strongly dependent upon respecting its construction paradigm, and that any change in the culture of construction must be brought about through it.
Teaching Documents by Sarah J A V E D Shah
ARA Syllabus, 2021
Instead of the narrative of loss, decline and
reduced publicness, my research is an
attempt to ... more Instead of the narrative of loss, decline and
reduced publicness, my research is an
attempt to trace the distinct narrative that
exults the paradigm of public space, as a
continuity of urban (streets and squares)
into interior (e.g., POPS). The traditional
dialogue between the public and private,
urban and interior is transforming drastically,
approaching the notion that public space
is not necessarily entirely public nor utterly
private. The main objective of this paper
is to explore the transformation of public
spaces in the global cities with a focus on
Lahore, Pakistan, while considering the
paradigm shift of territoriality, interiority, and
retail-isation of public spaces.
Books by Sarah J A V E D Shah
Fuoco Amico/ Syllabus, 2024
This anthology is based on the AUID (PhD Program) seminar “Architecture in Transition”, which was... more This anthology is based on the AUID (PhD Program) seminar “Architecture in Transition”, which was focused on the topics: imitation, parody, and montage, mainly present in Alessandro Rocca’s (2022) book, Totem and Taboo in architectural Imagination and other suggested readings. The outcome revealed various viewpoints of the participants on design culture, incorporating themes from other disciplines – art, literature, philosophy, etc.
Design Process for Transition, 2022
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Papers by Sarah J A V E D Shah
Conference Presentations by Sarah J A V E D Shah
The South Asian region has undergone a profound transformation over the past few decades. Employment of new technologies, industry-produced building materials, and advanced construction methods, together with the adoption of western styles are deemed as an indication of economic growth and socio-cultural development. Pakistan, which originated in the pre-historic civilization of the Indus valley, possesses a rich cultural and architectural heritage, which has experienced decline and deterioration with the onset of modernization and globalization. The notion of identity in this country is rooted in historicism, nationalism, and the religion of Islam. The predominant dialect has tended to be quite diverse and is related to various periods in history, especially to indigenous cultural and architectural countenance. It is believed that cultural identity lies at the root of traditional and sustainable architecture. Even though ‘tradition’ is different from ‘heritage’ in the way that an entire legacy, including those aspects which may no longer exist in present practice or may never have become integrated into the popular culture, are still a part of heritage. Tradition is significant, as it is passed on from one generation to the other, based on its own deep-rooted culture and acquires a common identity. Some of the traditional forms become icons of an area or an era and are reproduced to symbolize and exalt the dreams of their patrons.
This paper is an attempt to redefine identity and the impact of globalization on regions with a rich heritage, taking the city of Lahore as an example. The historic city of Lahore is trying to reidentify itself as a global city while being rooted in its culture, tradition and heritage. For this, the cultural identity is assessed as a response to the globalization of cultural values and standardization of architectural practices. Through an exemplary case study, we analyse the role of traditional values associated with history, aesthetics, artistic values and authenticity on modern-day living to understand how the community relates to its cultural and social processes in contemporary times. The potential of traditional architecture is explored in terms of its sensitivity to prevailing social values and cultural norms in pursuit to find models that can present the identity of Lahore.
Adequate evidence exists that industry-produced building materials, such as cement, concrete, and steel are not environmentally friendly with a higher carbon footprint, whilst the use of vernacular materials and indigenous techniques is a way towards sustainable development. We also considered other economic aspects such as time constraints, labour requirements, additional resource management, etc. This assessment will lead the stakeholders including the client, designer, and builder to consider an alternative approach of using traditional materials and methods while taking into account their long-term impacts.
Teaching Documents by Sarah J A V E D Shah
reduced publicness, my research is an
attempt to trace the distinct narrative that
exults the paradigm of public space, as a
continuity of urban (streets and squares)
into interior (e.g., POPS). The traditional
dialogue between the public and private,
urban and interior is transforming drastically,
approaching the notion that public space
is not necessarily entirely public nor utterly
private. The main objective of this paper
is to explore the transformation of public
spaces in the global cities with a focus on
Lahore, Pakistan, while considering the
paradigm shift of territoriality, interiority, and
retail-isation of public spaces.
Books by Sarah J A V E D Shah
The South Asian region has undergone a profound transformation over the past few decades. Employment of new technologies, industry-produced building materials, and advanced construction methods, together with the adoption of western styles are deemed as an indication of economic growth and socio-cultural development. Pakistan, which originated in the pre-historic civilization of the Indus valley, possesses a rich cultural and architectural heritage, which has experienced decline and deterioration with the onset of modernization and globalization. The notion of identity in this country is rooted in historicism, nationalism, and the religion of Islam. The predominant dialect has tended to be quite diverse and is related to various periods in history, especially to indigenous cultural and architectural countenance. It is believed that cultural identity lies at the root of traditional and sustainable architecture. Even though ‘tradition’ is different from ‘heritage’ in the way that an entire legacy, including those aspects which may no longer exist in present practice or may never have become integrated into the popular culture, are still a part of heritage. Tradition is significant, as it is passed on from one generation to the other, based on its own deep-rooted culture and acquires a common identity. Some of the traditional forms become icons of an area or an era and are reproduced to symbolize and exalt the dreams of their patrons.
This paper is an attempt to redefine identity and the impact of globalization on regions with a rich heritage, taking the city of Lahore as an example. The historic city of Lahore is trying to reidentify itself as a global city while being rooted in its culture, tradition and heritage. For this, the cultural identity is assessed as a response to the globalization of cultural values and standardization of architectural practices. Through an exemplary case study, we analyse the role of traditional values associated with history, aesthetics, artistic values and authenticity on modern-day living to understand how the community relates to its cultural and social processes in contemporary times. The potential of traditional architecture is explored in terms of its sensitivity to prevailing social values and cultural norms in pursuit to find models that can present the identity of Lahore.
Adequate evidence exists that industry-produced building materials, such as cement, concrete, and steel are not environmentally friendly with a higher carbon footprint, whilst the use of vernacular materials and indigenous techniques is a way towards sustainable development. We also considered other economic aspects such as time constraints, labour requirements, additional resource management, etc. This assessment will lead the stakeholders including the client, designer, and builder to consider an alternative approach of using traditional materials and methods while taking into account their long-term impacts.
reduced publicness, my research is an
attempt to trace the distinct narrative that
exults the paradigm of public space, as a
continuity of urban (streets and squares)
into interior (e.g., POPS). The traditional
dialogue between the public and private,
urban and interior is transforming drastically,
approaching the notion that public space
is not necessarily entirely public nor utterly
private. The main objective of this paper
is to explore the transformation of public
spaces in the global cities with a focus on
Lahore, Pakistan, while considering the
paradigm shift of territoriality, interiority, and
retail-isation of public spaces.