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Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 00 (2016) 000000
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Urban Planning and Architecture Design for Sustainable Development, UPADSD 14- 16 October
2015

Tale of Two Cities , Islamabad and Rawalpindi,Pakistan.

Mehwish Abid
UCA, House no: 470-E1, Wapda Town , Lahore, Pakistan.

Abstract
The paper is not concerning "right" and "wrong". This is not a discussion of "correct ways of master planning a city" This
monologue does not utter - a progressive approach or a traditionalist loom. It will discuss the planning of the capital of the
Pakistan "Islamabad". The research is a reflection for what the city is. How it has gained these features? The investigation
concerns the researcher's "milkman's address" , "Uncle Chauhan's Cook's shelter", "khattak's Gardener" and " Miss Ratan's
waxing lady's house" . It discusses the Doxiadius's-dynapolis, rebirth as cosmopolitan city. This question is about the social
behavior seen between the ones living in city with in the cities, those living on the outskirts and the ones in the limbo (slums and
squatters). This paper will discuss shortly the independence, post-independence, boom in the seventies, architectural innovations,
and the cheap duplication of "Trafalgar square" or "the Pyramids" in the high-end areas. The analysis will include "RawalpindiIslamabad and borderline inhabitants and Christaller's Central Place theory. On the other hand, the paper includes past theories
such as Doxiadius's "Ekistics", Mandel Brot's set, Fractals and the ever evolving -still transcending Islamabad/Rawalpindi
master-plan ; keeping in view the working class. It shall discuss the possible effects of the public transport. The last push shall be
of Fractal tale of two cities - to incur questions, trigger a few thoughts and for the sake of discontinuing of " Today's
Architecture". Pakistan, a colonized country is still paying its dues and repenting over the lost city-scape in the name of modern
infrastructure. It will discuss the twin cities of Rawalpindi-Islamabad and its state from being human scale to "hotch-potch" of
mega-structures.
2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Peer-review under responsibility of IEREK, International experts for Research Enrichment and Knowledge Exchange.

The research paper is not about the right or the wrong about how the city should be. It is not about a list of
commandments for the making of a city. This monologue does not express a progressive or approach traditionalist
approach, it is not a depiction of past nor how the future should be. It is reflection of how cities are. It is a
reflection for what city is and about the effects it is causing on the city. The last push would be fractal tale of cities

1877-0428 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Peer-review under responsibility of IEREK, International experts for Research Enrichment and Knowledge Exchange.

Author name / Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 00 (2016) 000000

to just induce further inquiry and deep look in to master planning of Islamabad, sustainable developments of the city
and the country.

The story of independence is well known, Pakistan is a sixty five year old country with rich culture, history, and
traditions. This is the outcome of its rapid change of rulers and governments of the region. It is a case of crossbreed
architecture that doesnt have its own identity until now. It is a young country and still underdeveloped to chalk out
its particular individuality. It includes diverse structures in various styles over time. It represents more of a chaos
and a consistent imagery of factors and forces molding its architectural distinction. Sustainable architecture relies on
the evolution of the infrastructure. It is more over exploratory, not only on design issues but also tackling the
ecological issues. Sustainable architecture is a relative term that changes from region to region depending on the
resources and factors evolving it. As for the example sustainable architecture developed countries like UK is to
reduce the use of resources and then harvest and revising those resources. It has led architects experiment with the
sculptural forms and explores computational designs. The boom in architectural innovation is also aided by the
every changing and developing soft wares of 3d modeling (Space and architecture, 2010).
Result is a Kachi-basti*. The city has allowed the borders, physical and non-physical to prevail in the whole
country. It is a young city to attain any one identity. The view are subjective to the areas one lives in the city.
The master plan of the city Like its Constitution, the national capital of Pakistan today is not what it was
visualized and planned to be.It appeared a strange coincidence when the National Assembly was informed on
Friday that 17 major changes have been made in the Master Plan of Islamabad since the Greek architects
Doxiadis Associates prepared it in 1960 - the same number of times that the 1973 Constitution has been
amended. Change is a constant in life, but one wishes that the civil and military rulers who made the changes
had done so to benefit the masses not themselves and their classes. The first change in the Master Plan was
decreed in 1964 when the location of Islamabad University -- later renamed as Quaid-i-Azam University -- was
shifted from the National Park Area southeast of Rawal Lake to northeast of Diplomatic Enclave. In 1988, the
university's original site was allocated to Zoo -- cum-Botanical Garden that was originally sited southwest of
Rawal Lake. Land where the Convention Centre and Serena Hotel stand today was designated in the Master Plan
as green area and right of way of the Kashmir Highway. The changes were made in 1995.While citizens may
wonder why the original map of their young capital needed continuous scissor work, environmentalists would be
shocked that the city managers' ideas of development swallowed many green zones. They allowed polluting
industries to sprout in areas on the periphery meant for trees and bushes (Khan).
The middle man Gawala could live in Jhanda chi chi cannot travel up to (E-7) every day. Thus, formulating
his own Kacha Makan in the nearby colony. Doxiadis designed the master plan understanding the science of
ekistics. However, it touched upon having solution of sustainable communities in the city. The architect describes
ekistics by pointing out two ways; past modules of successful cities should be studied and man can apply laws
whose validity can be demonstrated. These principles and law are actually an extension of mans biological
characteristics and in this respect the planners are dealing with the biology of larger systems. Achieving this requires
to move from an interdisciplinary to con-disciplinary science; making links between disciplines is not enough.
The main points for achieving ekistics encompass making facilities available for the common people such as water,
food and trees. Minimization of mans travelling effort required for the achievement of mans actual and potential
contacts. It includes optimization of mans protective space and optimization of mans quality of space, leading to

Slums
Sher Baz Khan, Islamabad master plan as inconsistent
as basic law, ARCHI TIMES - ISSN No. 2073-9001, A+i - ISSN No. 2073 - 901X

Milk man

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organization. Optimization of quality of mans relation with his environment. This all had been thought of while
designing the master plan of the city. However, the city is still going through transitional era.
If there are no slums in Islamabad then, where would the working class live and what would be his livelihood are
important questions. Whereas, the Kachi abadies in Rawalpindi and Islamabad cater a huge number of population.
The two twin cities Doxiadiss Dynapolis and Ayub Khans vision is still shaping itself and is trying to find a space
for its plumber, milk-man, carpenter, maids and servants. This will prevail till the time rich get richer and poor gets
further poor.
The use of 3d has educated our client and the architect to conceive the design more realistically, helps in physics
simulations, wind and turbulence testing, lighting, environment comfort and many more. Contemporary architecture
for Pakistan is more over a myth. As it is different in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Islamabad.
However, there are three sorts of Regional architecture, vernacular architecture, new vernacular architecture and
popular architecture (updated vernacular architecture that depends on available resources, styles and demand). Such
sort of architecture is still seen now days especially in the disaster management techniques catering architecture.
Pakistans Skyline Story:
Influences of Mohenjo Daro, Harrpa and Kot Diji:
The story of Pakistans skyline ages back to the discovery of Mohenjo Daro, Harappa, and Kot Diji. These were
probably the first cities designed in keeping view of sanitary and drainage facilities. The townships had residences,
market areas, and communal spaces. Ruins of these cities translate their thorough understanding of
urban/town/colony planning which is found in all the big cities of Pakistan that includes Rawalpindi, Karachi,
Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar. The downfall of Indus valley civilization brought various styles in region;
Gandhara, Buddhist, and Greek until the Mughal rule. Traces of them are still found in the country (Mumtaz 2013).
Influences Of Mughals:
The cities in Sindh grew up under the influences of Arabs after the advent of Islam in 712. The 3 centuries brought
Arab and Iranian influences from central Asia that Ghaznavids brought. Uch Shareef and tombs in Multan represent
the early period of Islamic architecture. The rise of the Mughals brought picture-less Islamic architecture around 8th
century A.D. Under the Mughal era, Persian and Arab styles were brought into the region. The commonly used
elements all around the world for mosques were used in forts and all communal buildings. Masjid Wazir khan
mosque and Badshahi mosque in Lahore, Shah Jehan mosque in Thatta are its examples. These mosques laid
foundations for a particular style (Islamic Architecture) that is still used in the country with variations in the
materials and usage in Mosques, Hotels and University buildings.
Influences of British Raj:
By the 18th century British invaded and brought English-European architecture and mixed with the regional
architecture and British colonial architecture emerged. The fall of Mughals gave rise to the British colonial
architecture. The Frre hall and Mohatta palace are the examples of fine blend of Islamic and British architecture.
Before partition, Indian people started replicating the government edifices in their housing and did not approve the
native builders and architects. The government buildings were distinctively of Anglo-Indian style (Yasmeen Lari
2008).

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Role of Advent of Skill in Region:

British Raj gave rise to Mayo school of arts that is called National college of Arts Lahore now. This school
produced skilled assistants for British architects who were responsible for stream of architecture that became
identity of many cities in Pakistan among which Aitchison College and Punjab Exhibition building marked the
transition from Mughal to British Lahore (Pervaiz Vandal and Sajida Vandal 2009).
Turning points in Architecture of Pakistan:
Independence in 1947 was a turning point in the regions architecture. Mumtaz explains the dilemma in one of his
researches while discussing the fifty years of Pakistan that the sensitivity of the Pakistani architect has been altered
by the academic training he is provided. He explains in his paper the various factors effecting the up to date progress
in various faculties of art and architecture in Pakistan. It involves the influences from British rule, he discusses about
the new capital of the country and its important buildings forming the base line for the modernization in the country.
Role of Foreign and In-house Architects in Pakistan:
Mumtaz explained the role of foreign architects in the making of important buildings. However, he pointed out that
the foreign architects not necessarily did well. The deviated from regional limitations. An example of this is Edward
Durrell Stones WAPDA House in Lahore. Its corrugated faced increases the external wall area and thus the heat
gain in a centrally air-conditioned building; its perforated canopy provides protection from neither sun nor rain; the
central well provides light in generous measure to the blank walls of service shafts and lifts; and the great plastic
dome above serves as a heat trap. He discussed commendable contributions that were more sensitive to the Region
like Aga Khan Hospital and Medical University in Karachi, architects Payette Associates in conjunction with local
consultants, the complex has certainly made a huge impact in the present day architecture.
Mumtaz discusses one of the most successful arrangements of a group of buildings into a well-integrated unity is
Gio Pontis secretariat complex at Islamabad. The use of water and terraces at many levels is reminiscent of Mughal
landscaping. Mumtaz stresses on the First generation of Architects, their education and practices. He explained
works of Mirza Ali Mehdi and compared it the works of Frank Lloyd wright. After partition, and till the upgrading
of the Mayo School of Arts in Lahore to the National College of Arts in 1958, the only course open to young
aspirants in the field of architecture had been to travel abroad. Among the few who took that route included Habib
Fida Ali, Kamil Khan Mumtaz and Yasmeen Lari. Among the important architects of 70s were Nayyar Ali Dada ,
Anwar Saed who worked in modernism. Dadas modernist styling of his earlier work, such as the Shakir Ali
Auditorium, has been tempered in his more recent works, such as the Alhamra Art Council and Cultural Centre
buildings in Lahore, with "traditional" materials and forms. His elegant Archives building in Peshawar and Habib
Bank offices in Lahore are both successful responses to the colonial heritage of these cities, and demonstrate his
sensitivity to contemporary concerns for regional and urban context (Mumtaz 2013).
The architects trained in western tradition naturally derived their inspiration from the modern movement.
Lecorbusier and Frank Lloyd Wrights influences are seen throughout the county. The native style was adopted in
mosques and rest of the cities started exhibiting modern movement blended with local architecture in style,
technology and materials. International architects played an immense role in the making of new cities especially
Edward stones and Doxiadis. Mumtaz touches the role of architects in the making of Pakistans architecture
(Mumtaz 2013).

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War Of 1971- East Pakistan Separation: Government change:

Its architecture was born with the diversity of "Islamic architecture of Mughals" and Gora-Saabs colonialized cities
with vernacular sensitivity. Many architects came and gone. However, important point is to note the graph of the
innovation in any fabric of arts in Pakistan, Prof. Vandal in his paper explains. Foreign architects were invited to
design the important buildings and their stamp was seen on all new construction throughout the country in both the
wings. East and West Pakistan was still one unit. There was severe shortage of architects in Pakistan.
Internationally, serious questions were raised in the decade of 60's and 70's about the philosophical footings of the
International Style or the Modern Architecture Movement that had sway since the 30's (Vandal 2011) . There were
architects like Mirza Mehdi Ali following Frank Lloyd Wright. That carried out the modern movement and this
lamp was still carried out by Habib fida Ali and Yasmin Lari.
Bhutto's period saw a slight re-emergence of the liberal viewpoint and architecture began to look Westward again
with Turkish architect Dalokey contributing the Summit Minar in Lahore and the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.
However the coup carried out by ZiaulHaq reversed Bhutto's liberalism with a vengeance and reinvigorated the
trend started by Ayub Khan after the 1965 war. Zia wrought fundamental changes in society, above all, by altering
the education system, introducing uniform syllabus from primary to the high school level attuned to his version of
Islamic philosophy. His personal peccadillos influenced architecture at all levels. From his peculiar interpretation
of Islamic Architecture emerged the new design for the Data Sahib Mosque, the banning of urinals as being unIslamic, a heightened emphasis on the use of arches and domes and the use of Octagon in plans and facades as
surface decoration. The emphasis shifted from content to surface treatment. Western dress of shirt and trouser
disappeared and shalwar, kamiz, was ordained as the official dress. Some architects, erstwhile liberals, modified
their living, dress and professions of faith to attract the state's attention and were duly rewarded. Zia's lasting
contribution, thanks to Mrs Yasmeen Lari, was the promulgation of the Pakistan Council for Architects and
Planners (PCATP) that gave a legal cover to the professions of Architecture and Town Planning. (Vandal 2011)
There came a change. However, there are good architects , furniture designers and artists still producing good work.
Though the ratio has decreased to a deadliest number.
Effects:
Tolerance on all levels was gone; there came alterations in each
and every segment of life. Architecture got influenced. One of
most amazing structures in Pakistan are Habib Banks building
and the above mentioned government buildings. It could be due to
intolerance in the society and Dictorial thinking. Arts and
humanities as subjects were deeply harmed. Till seventies, things
were still in the process of on growing development. However,
there is a thorough decline in the number of good artists Pakistan
has produced ever since.
Examples in Karachi and Islamabad:
Karachi:
Karachi is the largest city of Pakistan. It is equipped with the best
possible resources of today. It started off as the capital of the

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country that changed in 1952. It is a metropolitan city that has traces of British colonial architecture embedded in it.
Denso hall and Sindh high court are example of British sensitivity towards regional architecture.
History of the tall buildings in Pakistan is not very old and goes back to the construction of first high-rise building,
Habib Bank Plaza 311 ft. high in 1963 on I. I. Chundrigar Road, Karachi. It enjoyed the title of the tallest building
of South Asia for a decade and the tallest building of Pakistan for more than 40 years (Naz, 2004). This building
created new sensation among the country by bringing a new style of architecture in office designs.
BURMAH SHELL BUILDING KARACHI
Fig: 1 Habib Bank Karachi

The building Burmah

shell Karachi is designed by Arc. Habib Fida Ali. This building was the
turning point in Architects career and in Karachis architecture. This
building was constructed in 1969. It is on 94,000 sq. yard. Its the first
building made in fair face concrete. The project comprises two volumes
linked on the ground floor only. A three-storey, central core block houses
clerical and executive offices. The second volume, on four floors,
contains public spaces for the employees, a multipurpose hall, and some
services

Figure2 : Ground Floor Plan Burmah Shell Building

Cubicles in the plan show various office workspaces including reception,

different departments, conference rooms, clerical and executive offices,
mulipurpose hall and toilets. The principal structural system is a
reinforced concrete frame, cast in-situ. The
partitions of the room and the office workspaces
are examples of Talorist- vision.

Its an example of modern buildings built in

Pakistan. The stair wells are sculpturally treated.
There are various cantilevered volumes and the
surface treatment of exterior is done in an
aesthetic manner, in contrasts; making the
building unique in its own time. It carries strong
geometry both in plan and elevations. It has
patios, water elements and nicely detailed concrete surfaces. Its two volumes linked together on the ground floor
only (Mumtaz and Shaw, 1985).
Just like all around the world the above examples of KPT, Burmah shell building Karachi and Islamabad Stock
Exchange building reveal variation and unleashes the aspect of progress in terms of design and function. The study
enables us to reach to a conclusion that its the age of competition between brands all around the world, thus its
important that Pakistan also enters 21st century with pride and with assets holding international attention in terms of
architecture by having high-rise office building which can compete international standards for it being energy
efficient and high-tech.
Almost all major office buildings in the city of Islamabad were designed by the foreign firms with some local input.
NESPAK has designed buildings like stock exchange towers using completely modern approach in Islamabad on

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Jinnah Avenue. Saudi-Pak towers are an example of mix hybrid of Pakistani culture and modern architecture. A few
of the important structures and architects that laid an impression on the modern/ contemporary architecture of
Pakistan are: Supreme court by Kenzo Tange, Presidency by Stone, Arshad Shahid Abdullahs works , Yasmin
Laris work in the field of vernacular architecture, Ramesh khoslas work in all the Serena hotels in Pakistan, Agha
khan Medical University in Karachi by Payette Associates.
Problems faced by Pak-Architecture:
Pakistan is an emblem of culture, diversity, and modern contemporary architecture facing problems with building
regulations, construction mafia, and lack of sensitivity towards its own context that is disputed and misinterpreted,
over time. Contemporary architecture relies on the evolution. However, if one travels through the country one gets
hotchpotch visuals of the scenario. Taking a walk either in Lahore liberty, Rawalpindi sadder, Jinnah Super
Islamabad or Karachi shah-Raye Faisal, there are many similarities in terms of forms. However differences in terms
of materials, and facades depending on various factors.
Issues and its Mitigation:
1.

The first generation was had academia from abroad, they had different learning and got chances to get
involved in big projects. Thus, the architecture that took place in 1960s and 1970s is different from the
architecture taking place in 2013.

2.

Most of the mega- projects are given to government organisations and anything that is institutionalised it
stops growing in design and creativity.

3.

The governing bodies (decision makers) are not trusted by the architects, neither by the user.

4.

There is a huge gap in the teaching methods of architectural institutions and students cooperating with
them. There is lack of insight in history, conservation and indigenous issues that are huge enough to cater.
There is a gap in the teaching methodology and internship practices. Early days architects kept students as
the students delivered good results and in return the student was given an opportunity to learn by
associating themselves with particular architects. However, the student lack in practice, and architects
preference for hiring and enabling the upcoming breed is also getting less due to lack of work and lack of
trust in the student skills. Ahmad kausar Bashir explains Arif Hassans research the issues of architectural
education that one should take because rather the effect and the focus should be on the social and
economic drivers, rather stressing on the theory... (Arif Hasan) (Bashir 1986). Zahir-ud-din explains
that if architects are involved with the dwellers to improve their living conditions without the question of
reward then the architecture that would be produced would be pure in its nature (Bashir 1986). .

5.

It is not just Architecture that suffered after 1970s .It was arts, culture, drama, poetry, writing and music.

The future is in hand of scientists and machines. With human brain and technological advancements, man is trying
to overcome global warming; harsh weather conditions, lack of space through high-rises. Just like the international
progress in architecture, Pakistan is moving ahead as well. Where? We need to know that. Check it and continuously
put efforts to evolve it.
Sitting in a mud house held over stilts in Tando Allah yar at the Heritage foundation camp, gives a clear scenario
of contemporary architecture in Pakistan. Raised above the ground about 7 feet 6 inches have served their
intended purpose. These include women centers; Schools and women centers have provided refuge to the aged,

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sick and women. The area has been largely hit by the floods over a couple of previous years. People in interior
Sindh are highly affected. There has been a huge loss wealth and shelter for already under privileged villagers.
The truth of Pakistan is these areas. Abbottabad and hazara division was hit by earth quake in 2005 and still
overcoming the loss. The set up by heritage foundation is commendable and in my view their work will affect
history in some way or the other. Provision of schools on wadaira lands, and for the Hindu and Muslim
community both would bring change in the rural areas. The structures here still under testing for carrying the
methods on larger scale. However, use of context with such sensitivity lacks in most of the projects carried out by
architects of the present age in Pakistan. Yasmin laris efforts in establishing Kirat, Karavan and heritage
foundation has indeed opened a chapter of hope. The truth of being up-to-date is usage of available resources to
the maximum and coming up with the best solution (Author).
There has been confusion of thoughts and expression all around the country after the 70s. The Eighties Reign of
architects tried their best to overcome it. It is a problem that needs to be catered in terms of education of the
architect, giving him licences, having a check on the governing bodies, rectifying the policies and by-laws,
educating the user by media, by press, produce think tanks for the profession of architecture. This confusion has
reached to chaos via a number of rulers, politics, lack of resources and awareness. It needs to reach to Clarity in
some way or the other. The question is can such efforts be made in rural development and how.

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References
(Ahmad, Kausar Bashir. 1986. Architectural Education in Pakistan and Problems of the Architectural Profession. In
Architectural Education in the Islamic World. Ahmet Evin, ed. Singapore: Concept Media/Aga Khan Award for
Architecture).
Mumtaz, kamil khan. Architecture is Pakistan. 2013.
http://www.kamilkhanmumtaz.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=163:architecture-in-pakistanfifty-years&catid=34:selected-papers&Itemid=73 (accessed may 12, 2013).
Mumtaz, Kamil Khan. 1985. British Colonial. In Architecture in Pakistan. Judith Shaw, ed. Singapore: Concept
Media Pte Ltd
Pervaiz Vandal and Sajida Vandal. The Raj , Lahore and Bhai Ram Singh. Michigan: Nca Publication, 2009.
Proliferation of the Tallest Building Syndrome: From Global To Local, N.Naz, Department of Architecture,
University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 2004
Yasmeen Lari, Mihail S. Lari. The Dual City: Karachi During the Raj. the University of Michigan: the University of
Michigan, 2008.

Picture References:
Fig 1. Habib Bank
Proliferation of the Tallest Building Syndrome: From Global To Local, N.Naz, Department of Architecture,
University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 2004
Fig. 2: Burmah shell building
Mumtaz, Kamil Khan. 1985. British Colonial. In Architecture in Pakistan. Judith Shaw, ed. Singapore: Concept
Media Pte Ltd