Walking in the City
This project arises from the understanding that the production of space is an inherently creative process, and the capacity to exercise this creative right lies with every individual. When space is shaped primarily by human experience, it produces varied usages of space, imbuing it with a variety of use value. In contrast, a state-sanctioned mode of space production, which is legitimized under modern-day urban planning, replaces people as the essential subject of space with capital, alienating the primary users. This project aims to first study/map, and then counter this alienation, by imagining an alternative mode of design that attempts to once again celebrate and centralize the everyday commuter, visitor, walker and passerby.
This project arises from the understanding that the production of space is an inherently creative process, and the capacity to exercise this creative right lies with every individual. When space is shaped primarily by human experience, it produces varied usages of space, imbuing it with a variety of use value. In contrast, a state-sanctioned mode of space production, which is legitimized under modern-day urban planning, replaces people as the essential subject of space with capital, alienating the primary users. This project aims to first study/map, and then counter this alienation, by imagining an alternative mode of design that attempts to once again celebrate and centralize the everyday commuter, visitor, walker and passerby.
Conceptualization of different modes of space production, moving from Absolute space to Abstract as outlined by researcher Henri Lefebvre. Whereas Abstract Space is defined by features of homogenous, ahistorical urban design standards that comply with the image and representation of the World Class City, Differential Space focuses on creating a contextual, relational space in which occupants and their social practices help them form a meaningful relationship with the space, based on exchange, exploration and walking patterns, as opposed to just moving through it as disembodied, alienated visitors.
Mapping the development of urban space surrounding Bin Qasim Park, from Absolute Space to Abstract Space.
A zoom-in of the larger site area, identifying and mapping vehicular and pedestrian circulation/access, as well as the quality of pedestrian infrastructure that informs these circulation patterns.
Zoom-in of an important site node, heavy with pedestrian activity, the intersection between the Bahria Icon Tower and the boundary of the Abdullah Shah Ghazi Mazaar, stretching down towards the entrance to Funland.
Strategies for the proposed intervention; a Public Plaza along the entrance of the Bin Qasim Park , connected to a Sunken Market in front of the Mandir to accommodate the already-present commercial activity present on site, and Pedestrian Street located behind the Icon Tower, that connect the Plaza and the Market to the Funland.
