Community Center in the Walled City of Lahore

Project idea

I declare that the project ‘Community Center in the Walled City of Lahore’ is my own work carried out during the course of my study and under the supervision of my teacher Asim Raza.

The Walled City of Lahore is the historic core of the city. Known for its pedestrian urban network and the strength of its community, this part of the city never sleeps. However at the same time the Walled City has become cut off from new developments and the rest of the city. This project was designed to increase traffic from outside the fortified city and to create a platform for the community to showcase their talents and to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city itself.
A stage for creative development was to be created.

Project description

Given the dense urban fabric of the city and the lack of green spaces within the fortification, keeping most area green was of utmost important. Additionally the structure was designed to be as permeable as possible. That permeability was created in treating the functions as separate pavilions connected by a Veranda. Local traditions use verandas for their ventilation and as another social platform. This same principle has been utilized by the design, where the veranda opens up to the different green platforms.

The multi-functionality of the spaces themselves were important, which is why platforms are designed in a way to facilitate outdoor activities and indoor spaces in a form of multi-functioning halls, which can be used for crafts and lectures. A gymnasium has also been introduced on the far right for indoor sports events, the adjacent ground catering for outdoor sport events. The whole intervention can be used by the community as they like in the form of weddings and congregational prayers.

The only space with a fixed function is the cafeteria and its adjacent kitchen, which will be used by local residents to sell traditional snacks and beverages the Walled City is known for.

Technical information

The whole structure is in pure concrete, with most of the activities in the basement.