Led by Chris Mofat from the School of History
Research:
The research aimed to reconnect Pakistan's architectural profession with its rich history by addressing the absence of a centralized archive. Facing climate change and urban challenges, Pakistani architects lacked reference points to past practices. The project, stemming from a British Academy-funded postdoctoral fellowship, delved into the experiences of the first postcolonial generation of architects, revealing their innovative responses lost over time. The specific challenge was the disconnect between historical practices and contemporary architectural education, which primarily followed a Western-oriented canon.
Impact:
The impact of the project spans cultural and economic realms. It fosters knowledge exchange within the architectural profession, influencing education and practice. The digital archive benefits architects, cultural sectors, and researchers, fostering a deeper understanding of Pakistan's architectural heritage. Stakeholders include architects, students, cultural organizations, and the wider public. This initiative contributes to cultural preservation, economic development, and informed urban planning.
Funding Allocation:
Strategic allocation of the funding underscores the project's comprehensive objectives. A segment of the budget is dedicated to the production of an architectural sourcebook, a tangible repository designed for workshop engagement. Subsequently, substantial funds are directed toward the creation and maintenance of an online platform. This platform is conceived as a sustainable digital archive, transcending the temporal confines of the workshops and ensuring enduring accessibility. Remaining resources contribute to the dissemination of the sourcebook, facilitation of travel and accommodation during workshops, and ancillary logistical requirements. This meticulous budgetary distribution aligns with the project's overarching goals, facilitating tangible outcomes across various facets of implementation.