Adil Najam
We have had some fascinating discussions about on ATP about buildings and architecture. A few days ago Pervaiz Munir Alvi took us through a tour of Pakistan’s architectural history (here). His concern about architectural neglect was not unsimilar to that expressed by Raza Rumi (here) and SAJ Shirazi (here) earlier. Earlier we have looked in detail at the architectural legacies of various cities, including Lahore (also here), Karachi (also here), Multan and, of course, had spirited discussions about the new ‘7-star’ hotel - The Centaurus - being built in Islamabad (here and here).
The discussion has been rich and many have already identified what their favorite buildings in Pakistan are. Maybe we should invite others to also join the discussion identify structures that ‘do it’ for them.
What are your architectural preferences? Which buildings in Pakistan do you find aesthetically pleasing? Which would you consider most emblematic of Pakistan and ‘Pakistaniat’? In short, what is/are your favorite buildings in Pakistan? And, always, why?
We don’t need any rules, but a few guidelines; if I may.
- You can name any building that you want, as long as it is in Pakistan and that actually exists (sorry, Centaurus does not count; not yet!).
- It does not matter if it was built before or after 1947, as long as it still exists.
- I expect that a lot of the entries will be commemorative structures (mousuleums, monuments, etc.). That is to be expected. I woudl love to also hear about which functional buildings (hotels, office towers, bridges, etc.) you find most fascinating.
- Do please also tell us why you like a particualr building (that is much more interesting than you telling us why you do not like someone else’s choice!). If you have any interesting information about the building, do please share.
- We hope to eventually turn this into a running list of “ATP Reader’s Choice,” so please do ask your friends who are interested in such issues to also come and post their choices here.
[quote comment="4473"] “Come to think of it, all the flaws that you pointed to in the structure can more or less be extrapolated to the country itself, thus a true symbol of the nation.”
[/quote]
Kumail,
I think your coment very appropriately sums up the discussion on this particular building.
Is the architectural splendour all that one looks for in a building? I for one believe that there is more to it than form and function, the spirit that building the represents and the underlying intent of it as well. Not being an architect, I cant comment on technical aspect of the Minar, however it may have more of a social or cultural meaning. Come to think of it, all the flaws that you pointed to in the structure can more or less be extrapolated to the country itself, thus a true symbol of the nation.
The KMC building in Karachi is still around, its still used as the “city hall” so to say.
[quote comment="4383"]“How come no ones mentioned Minar-e-Pakistan yet?”
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Kumail,
I am glad no one mentioned Minar-e-Pakistan. This shows that most commentators of this post have a cultivated taste in architecture.
People have gotten used to seeing the Minar (one can get used to anything). But the fact is, among the public buildings, Minar-e-Pakistan is probably one of most plebeian structures built in Pakistan. Other than it being just a tall and narrow tower, it does not seem to have any theme, does not represent any particular school of architecture, does not use impressive materials, and, above all, clashes with the towers and domes of Badshahi mosque next door. It just looks out of place. I know it is very subjective thing but this is how I feel about it.
By the way, the Karachi Municipal Corporation building on Bunder Road was also an attractive building. Is it still there?
Some of the photos are real good, especially the first 4 in the post.
Here is link to a picture of Ayub Medical College that I found on flickr.com:
Please compare it with the Islamia College, Peshawar building.
Come to think of it, among the post-partition buildings, the PC Karachi is not a bad building. It was built in the 60s as a part of the chain of the Intercontinental hotels. Somehow, it looks as if it belongs to Pakistan. Probably the ‘jali’ around it makes gives a traditional effect.
How come no ones mentioned Minar-e-Pakistan yet.
Also, unfortunately in a horrible shape right now, but The Empress Market in karachi is also a beautiful building.
Someone up there mentioned the need for a downtown like area in Karachi and Lahore, well I think we pretty much have it already in both the cities. The Saddar part of Karachi and the Walled City of Lahore pretty much is the downtown, however, its functionality is not the same. I am firm believer that if the Saddar part of karachi is revitalized it would make for a beautiful downtown district.
One more building that I have been fond of is the ABN Amro Bank building on Abdullah Haroon Road, next to the Marriot. It has the poise of a great financial institution and the atrium, the main service area, has been designed and decorated very well for its function as a financial institution.
I know we are talking of our favorite buildings, but it would make us appreciate those buildings more if we also look at some of the not-so-good-looking or outright ugly buildings. We have all seen the Islamia College Peshawar building (top left picture in the post), which was built in 1913 and is an enduringly beautiful building. Now contrast that with Ayub Medical College building in Abbottabad built in in the 1980s, probably at a greater cost in terms of today’s rupees, and you would know what we are talking about. (I wish someone could briefly post that picture here. It is available on flickr.com.)