NCA degree show: ‘Architectural solutions can change slum conditions’

41 students of architecture have displayed their work on campus

LAHORE:

As many as 41 students of Architecture Department at the National College of Arts have displayed their theses at the graduation degree show on the campus.

Muhammad Zahid Ilyas’s thesis focuses on revitalising Mian Mir Colony.

“I studied squatter settlements and looked at living conditions there in a bid to provide their residents an alternative lifestyle,” he said.

Ilyas said his project involved understanding the lifestyle of the people living at Mian Mir Colony. He said his thesis provided basic solutions for residents of these areas using innovative designs and sustainable material.

He said architectural solutions could change living standards in slums.

Neha Tariq has prepared a community-based rehabilitation project for brick kiln workers. She said her thesis also addressed the trend of bonded labour in Pakistan.

“This menace is fuelled by abuse of power, corruption and oppressive structures,” she said. Tariq said her project highlighted the issues faced by kiln workers.

Hurriya Eman has designed a youth engagement hub in Mandian, Abbottabad.

“I want to create an inclusive informal space” she said. Eman said her project catered to the young and residents of the neighbourhood.

She said a neighbourhood centre provided a recreation spot which would help informal education and provide opportunities to socialise.

Faraz Rashid presented his thesis on reconstruction of the central jail in Muzaffarabad.

“When the earthquake struck Kashmir in 2005, it destroyed 70 per cent of the central jail,” he said.

Rashid said the authorities had been unable to reconstruct the prison.

“My project is based on traditional construction material used in Kashmir, which takes into account seismic conditions in the area,” he said.

Rashid said he hoped to revive traditional architecture with his designs.

“I have used stones and wood as primary building materials instead of the industrial material introduced during the renovations after the earthquake,” he said.

“My thesis is about integrating the third gender into the society,” said Hajira Khalid Qazi.

She said the marginalised minority of Khawajasaras was a taboo subject in the society.  “Change doesn’t happen overnight so I had to design a platform which would act as a catalyst,” said Qazi. She said she was inspired by mutations and transformations that determine gender.

Abdul Hanan Sarwar has based his thesis on redesigning Lorry Adda of Badami Bagh.  He said Lahore was a cultural, intellectual, political and economic hub. “Unfortunately, it has experienced adverse impacts of traffic congestion and mismanagement. My project examines the problems in the general transport hub which is linked to Circular Road.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd,  2016.