Papers by Tania A L I Soomro
Journal of Art, Architecture and Built Environment,, 2024
Documentation is an umbrella term that comprises a number of phases: architectural, historical, s... more Documentation is an umbrella term that comprises a number of phases: architectural, historical, social, economic, and ethnographic documentation. However, architectural documentation is considered a primary step towards a systematic cultural heritage preservation process. Heritage preservation is a contested issue in many developing countries, such as Pakistan, which are grappling to meet the basic necassities of everyday life. The situation gets consolidated with a vulnerable state of heritage legislative framework and its reduced implications. Thus, the current study aimed to discuss the process of architectural documentation of the Doctors' Mess, also known as Haribhai Pragji Karia High School, as a case in one of the live projects carried out in Karachi. The methodology adopted for this study revolved around the various stages involved in the process, such as archival consultation, measured architectural documentation, on-site (field) exercises, and photographic documentation. The process further focused on the architectural investigation of this historic structure located in Karachi's Ranchore Line Quarter. The findings of the current study showed how critical it is for any projects implementation to have a firm foundation in the form of accurate architectural drawings and other relevant data. The accuracy of the restoration/revitalization project can be judged on the basis of good quality drawings produced through the meticulous architectural documentation process. In conclusion, the documentation revealed previously unrecorded details about the building's architectural features, its issues of decay, and its possible reasons, shedding light on its evolution and the cultural influences that shaped its design. Eventually, the current study highlighted the importance of thorough documentation in the preservation of heritage buildings. Moreover, it also offered a detailed record that would
Built Heritage, 2024
The cultural heritage inventory is an alternate tool to document historic buildings to establish ... more The cultural heritage inventory is an alternate tool to document historic buildings to establish a protected enlistment process. Recognising the importance of inventories for developing knowledge of historical and cultural patterns, multiple attempts are being made to record Karachi's historic buildings in the form of inventory documents. This research investigates the various approaches used for inventorying Karachi's cultural heritage and their potential impact on the survival of the city's historical ensemble. As literature, this research provides a brief overview of Karachi's architectural development before and after its annexation to the British Raj (Term used by scholars to represent the British Crown in India. The term 'The Raj' is also sometimes used.) (1843-1947), which is now considered the historic core of the city of Karachi, together with the systems of inventorying the built heritage over time. Wadhumal Odharam (Jail) Quarter is shortlisted as a case study for this research, which will be examined from the perspective of inventory making in relation to its specific physical and sociocultural context as documented through the inventorying process. The Quarter is also referred to as ' Jail Quarter' because of the presence of the Jail building within the Quarter precinct, which was demolished during the British era; it is discussed in further detail later in this article. The research approach follows a survey of the quarter conducted between August and September 2022, followed by a mapping of the historic properties. The inventory mapping of the Quarter is performed by using an available database (Database of various historic Quarters of Karachi by Heritage Cell-DAPNED). The data for inventory also helps provide an understanding of the history and development of the area. The other aspects of the research methodology include intreating questions and collecting data about various aspects of the Quarter, such as the building information, photographic documentation of the properties, and analysis of the present conservation status based on inventory mapping. Moreover, this study also suggests that inventorying aided the enlistment process for the Quarter under the Sindh Cultural Heritage Preservation Act 1994 (SCHPA), which was first implemented in 1997 and again in 2011 until 2021. The protected status helped stop the illicit demolitions; however, vandalism continued in many forms, for instance, the need-based alterations relying on the ever-increasing population, upgradation of the building bylaws, inadequate heritage legislation and its enforcement.
Genius Loci or the 'Spirit of place' refers to the tangible and intangible characteristics of a p... more Genius Loci or the 'Spirit of place' refers to the tangible and intangible characteristics of a place as regards several aspects. This concept relates to a deeper meaning of a place and its relationship with the environment. Genius Loci is not merely associated with the city's urban fabric; instead, it is infused within the experience/ setting of the place. The paper discusses the connotation of Genius Loci as an important lens or a possible vocabulary for a much more layered and in-depth analysis of the Bohri Bazaar area in Saddar Bazaar quarter in Karachi, Pakistan. Bohri Bazaar is one of the early shopping streets developed during the British era in 1839, parallel with the concept of independent market buildings like Cunningham market (demolished in the late 19 th century) or the Empress market, among many during British rule in Karachi. Its location within the Saddar Bazaar quarter in Karachi places it exceptionally at the central commercial spine of the city. The British designed the bazaar in Gridiron geometry to orient the users at their ease. The area is romanticized as an oriental bazaar because of its historical nature that homogeneously absorbs the local narrow street layouts and neighborhood context, giving a unique identity to its urban, architectural, and functional design. The methodology followed for this research is based on different sections. The first section is based on a literature review relating to the concept of Genius Loci and then literature on the Bohri Bazaar. The second section is based on the fieldwork conducted between 2020-21 to articulate a description of the area according to the concept of genius loci by physically visiting the site and surveying the Bazaar. Both sections are combined to develop a discussion on the genius loci of Bohri Bazaar for collective conclusions/outcomes. These conclusions are not a singular or solidified statement but an invitation for further investigation.
Journal of Xi'an University of Architecture & Technology, 2013
This study's goal is to demonstrate that there is a connection between the comfort and performanc... more This study's goal is to demonstrate that there is a connection between the comfort and performance of users and the mobility amenities available to them. The research was conducted at the Government Girls Primary School (GGPS) & Higher Secondary School (GGHSS), which is located in Block 6, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, Pakistan (Semis Code No. 408080120). Quantitative and qualitative methods were utilized in the process of data collection and analysis respectively. As part of the quantitative method, questionnaires were used to collect information from participants. During the qualitative approach, we observed the teaching personnel (academic staff) and support staff via site visits,
The socioeconomic profile of the sub-urban areas in Pakistan is a matter of concern for the presu... more The socioeconomic profile of the sub-urban areas in Pakistan is a matter of concern for the presumable developments in the future. The micro urban areas are the indicators of the prospective developments in the city. The role of the prevailing socioeconomic patterns in the city is important for the future developmental opportunities to be identified. These socioeconomic behaviours are depicted through several factors which indicate the behaviours of the inhabitants and the opportunities and discrepancies the particular area is facing. The objective of this research is to explore the socioeconomic behaviour of the inhabitants of the selected area in order to analyze the comprehensive socioeconomic profile of the area. It adopts the mixed methods approach to conduct the research surveys and necessary documentation. It also signifies the understanding of the socioeconomic profiles of the inhabitants in the area by analyzing their historic background, work profiles, expenditure distribution, educational aspects, commercial activities, transport facilities, and the provision of amenities. The findings are detailed out in a quantitative mode and further summarized in the SWOT analysis which also indicates the potential areas for the future developments. The current study takes into account the collective socioeconomic profiles and concludes the organic growth. Moreover, the findings are also helpful to establish that the socioeconomic profiles of the area which can be useful for suggesting the developmental patterns for the betterment of the area.
Journal of research in architecture and planning, Jun 30, 2019
Underlining the architectural characterization of a historic edifice is an essential tool towards... more Underlining the architectural characterization of a historic edifice is an essential tool towards its preservation and needs to be seen critically. Though the concept of heritage preservation is relatively a new phenomenon, yet it is widely accepted due to the recognition of heritage as an economic asset. Historic buildings are the strength of a nation that helps in building its identity as they reflect on the past, history and culture of a nation. For instance in Pakistan the sites such as Moen-jo-Daro and Thakh-i-Bahi are cherished, as they signify the value of empires that once dwelled, hence expresses a strong nostalgic value. Though these examples are on the World Heritage list, thus they have enough protection and monitoring system, but the rest of the national or provincial level historic properties suffer greatly due to the rapid transformation, resulting from an ever increasing commercialization pressure. This pressure directly and indirectly affects the heritage enclaves. Historic buildings specifically are subjected to destruction, deteriorating to a state in which they are not able to justify the purpose for which they were primarily built. Mitha Ram Hostel in Karachi is one such example, which is still surviving and is operative, but has had a change of function. Moreover there is lack of permanent institutional setup or any sort of partnership with the government, hence not many conservation exercises are seen in the country (Mumtaz, 2017). Apart from the institutional setup, community being the primary stakeholder, plays a vital role in safeguarding the heritage. But regrettably majority of the community defies any interest in conserving these buildings. Some of the restoration measures stop damage to heritage buildings but are not satisfactory to prolong the lifespan of the buildings. Thus, a need for a proper conservation plan cannot be denied. Mitha Ram Hostel, is an exceptional piece of architectural marvel that the city of Karachi has as a reminiscent of the colonial past. The hostel structure was built during the phase of 1894 and 1901 in pre-partition era, hence British colonial features are predominantly visible in the building. The structure was built to facilitate the out stationed pupils of the Dayaram Jethumal (DJ) Science College and was designed by Architect James Strachan who is credited with designing the most important structures the city offers at present day. The Serai Quarter, where this hostel is located, represents the old prevailing colonial architectural heritage in Karachi and holds over two hundred protected properties, but the enormity of this hostel surpasses the rest.
Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering & Technology, 2019
Karachi being the first born city of the colonial architecture in Sindh Pakistan has the honour o... more Karachi being the first born city of the colonial architecture in Sindh Pakistan has the honour of housing very important and diverse ornamental architectural master pieces. Along with the commercial nucleus; Karachi emerged as a regional educational hub after the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947 with several hostel structures and studio apartments. These structures are among the better examples of the pre-colonial and post-colonial architectural influence in the region. Few of them (still surviving) are incorporated in the national list of protected heritage under Sindh Cultural Heritage Preservation Act 1994. This research paper is focused on "the lost importance of the three different hostel (boys' hostels only) premises in the historic core of the city of Karachi". Despite possessing similar functions in the past and having the same status of the declared protected heritage at present, each of them has different use and conservation status at present. None of the buildings have endured the original function. This research focuses the reasons of the non-continuation of the original function and the impairments caused to the buildings due to this reason. Methodology followed for the research includes analysis of available archives, physical observation, photographic documentation and interviews with the local inhabitants of the neighbourhood. The results and the findings of this research portray that eroding hostel culture has subjected those structures to slow and painful death of their original purpose. These buildings, once popular in the area, are now fading fast and perhaps will cease to exist in the near future unless the immediate precautionary measures are taken. The main conclusion drawn in this paper is that "it is important to preserve those historic premises as they are of significant historic character that remained associated with a number of key political and social personalities of the region. Moreover, they play a vital role in the general architectural value of the region".
http://dx.doi.org/10.22581/muet1982.1801.19, 2018
The Satellite town of Korangiis part of the 'Greater Karachi Resettlement Plan' along with other ... more The Satellite town of Korangiis part of the 'Greater Karachi Resettlement Plan' along with other satellite towns of Landhi and New Karachi proposed by the Greek Architect Constantinos Apostolou Doxiadis in 1958. It is located in southern part of Karachi next to the Arabian Sea at latitude: 24°49' and longitude: 67° 7'. It is considered as one of the major post-independence urban regeneration projects. The actual plan of Doxiadis was supposed to be developed as self-sufficient satellite town for refugees (from Indian sub-continent partition) with the provision of employment through industries and commercial areas along with residential settlement. This research revolves around the planning strategies adopted by the architect influenced by the indigenous way of living. The analysis is based upon the main proposition of the Greater Karachi Resettlement Plan that aimed to develop industrial activity in the satellite towns of Landhi-Korangi and North Karachi freeing the central Karachi from low income groups (poor) and from environmental degradation. From here began the multiple issues mainly the transportation troubles of city, as these settlement towns were positioned at least 25 Kilometer off the city centre which probably was the only working hub for most of people then. This eventually led to the failure of the plan leaving behind the inhabitants with economic pandemonium. The objective of this research is to understand the issues related to the existing satellite town and the reasons for its decline; not growing on the pace of what it was assumed to develop. The paper also focuses on the stated argument of the failure of this massive relocation plan and its impacts on rest of the city.
Engineering, Technology & Applied Science Research, 2018
In 1839 British East India Company captured the town of Karachi. After an effortless resistance b... more In 1839 British East India Company captured the town of Karachi. After an effortless resistance by the locals the fort was conquered by the British commander Sir Charles Napier. The village of Kolachi then was annexed to British India and the city was labeled as Karachi. With the occupation of British a phase of new sophisticated architecture and development started. Before that the city was based upon the vernacular mud architecture. These developments resulted in an influx of economic migrants who helped in making Karachi as a multinational and a multicultural city. This paper investigates about the architectural attributes that the historic core of the city offers. It also discusses the side-by-side development of the native and British towns. The paper also digs about the existing state of the architecture that is precedent of the British colonial past of the city and the urban blight occurred to them over the time in various forms of vandalism, encroachments, illegal repairs etc.
Creative Construction Conference 2018, CCC, Ljubljana, Slovenia, 2018
Pakistan is agro-based economy. Agriculture in Pakistan relies upon a vast network of canals that... more Pakistan is agro-based economy. Agriculture in Pakistan relies upon a vast network of canals that is said to be the world's largest contiguous irrigation system. However, over a period of time, the system is deteriorating and becoming hard for the government to coup up with its financial costs. This has led the government to decentralize the irrigation network by means of introducing participation based development programs in various regions to transfer canal ownership to the farm owners. Participation based development has been advocated for its potential to achieve community level success, and to empower the end-users. Participatory development approach has also proven to reduce the burden over public funds. Nevertheless, previous studies have shown that the willingness of the members (i.e., end users) to be the part of a participatory development program plays a vital role in securing success. Following this notion, this study attempts to understand the attributes of farmers' willingness in a provincial level participatory development program. This study identifies that 'willingness' of a farmer to participate is a dynamic process that extends far beyond farmers' mere agreement to the norms of project, but it further requires continued support and action throughout the project life. As a matter of fact, the willingness of farmers' depends upon a range of factors that are further influenced by cultural and geopolitical contexts. This research presents an abstract model indicating factors attributing farmer's willingness in pre-project commencement and during project execution. Unstructured interviews and a questionnaire survey are used to identify attributing factors and to develop willingness model. This paper concludes with a discussion over the role of willingness in achieving targets in case study project. This study will help academicians, researchers and policy makers with better understanding of the role of farmers' willingness in participatory development approach programs.Click here and insert your abstract text.
Engineering, Technology & Applied Science Research, 2018
This study analyzes the response of various hydrological parameters and future water availability... more This study analyzes the response of various hydrological parameters and future water availability against anticipated climate variations in snow dominated alpine catchment in Austria. The parameters assessed are base flow, environmental flow, total flow, evapotranspiration, and snow cover duration. The distributed hydrological modeling system PREVAH is developed to assess the impacts through the combination of various climate change scenarios produced under the framework of the European project PRUDENCE. The model results clearly indicate an apparent shift from observed trends in monthly, seasonal and annual values. The mean annual changes observed by all model scenarios range between 45% to 60% decrease in snow cover duration, 15% to 20% increase in evapotranspiration, 5% to 15% decrease in base flow, and 15% to 25% decrease in total runoff values. However, mean annual changes observed in available water are marginal, just ranging from-3% to +2%. All regional model projections show more or less the same identical pattern of changes in analyzed parameters.
Journal of Research in Architecture & Planning, 2017
Understanding and documenting the value of a heritage property is of utmost importance. The value... more Understanding and documenting the value of a heritage property is of utmost importance. The value of built heritage is basically referred to as an intangible aspect that characterizes its importance, worth, usefulness or the benefits in various dimensions. Heritage is valued not as an intellectual enterprise but it also plays instrumental, symbolic, and other functions in society . The research paper focuses on analyzing the historical and architectural value of Empress Market building which in 1995 was declared protected heritage of Pakistan having an enlistment number 1995-047 under the Antiquities Act, 1975 and the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act 1994 by the Government of Pakistan. To understand the worth of the building and authenticity of that worth, a value based analysis is carried with the help of applying Nara Grid to its various aspects. A historical timeline of the building phases has been developed to understand the complexity of the structure. Also to gain a better understanding of the building, the architectural value assessment is carried out on the basis of research, architectural works, construction techniques and the structural systems. It also includes an inventory of the significant architectural attributes.
Sindh Through Centuries Conference , 2013
The age-old historic core of Karachi portrays diverse outstanding cultural values. The cultural d... more The age-old historic core of Karachi portrays diverse outstanding cultural values. The cultural diversity raises fundamental questions about the meaning and the ownership of the heritage sites and buildings. In such circumstances the role of a professional heritage organization as ‘heritage broker’ is an essential part of the general scheme of conservation. This research focuses on the conservation practices used in Karachi for protection of architectural heritage also the work policy of different organizations and how these organisations relate with the other institutions. It also examines some of the logical and practical consequences of taking the meaning of actual conservation and its definition seriously. The methodology pursued in this research incorporates the physical observation, site surveys/ analysis with photographic documentation and interviews with the local inhabitants/ stakeholders in the historic core of Karachi. By 1941 the city grew into 44 quarters, among them some are considered more significant and historically important. The statistical records of the number of historical buildings both listed and not listed are derived from the archival sources of various institutions. The results and findings depicts that despite the fact that the perception of safeguarding cultural heritage is relatively new phenomenon but there exist an integral sum of institutions both on governmental and non-government levels, working for the same grounds, but in a discrete mode. The main conclusion drawn is that the foremost shortcomings of the isolated institutional efforts and the discourse in relation to reciprocated conservative work approach results as a critical contention for heritage conservation and is highly a challenging thing to cope with. It also involves the ground realities experienced in these historic quarters such as demolition threats and the overpowering market forces. Furthermore this study also focuses on the practical conducts of developing motivation to engage the local community who is often excluded by conventional approaches. Their contribution at each pace is an indispensable notion of a successful and a sustainable heritage management process since historic properties are something that could only be precisely valued and effectively watched over by their own communities.
ICOMOS Thailand, 2013
In order to safeguard the dying out traditions and the history of a city it is very essential to ... more In order to safeguard the dying out traditions and the history of a city it is very essential to promote documentation and recording of forgotten heritage for the progress of an urban context. Similarly defending a heritage property is very necessary for its utilization in the imminent future for the generations ahead. This research paper is focused on identifying, “the reasons for the necessity of recording and documenting the historic core of Karachi”. In Karachi most of the heritage properties are privately owned and are unkempt by their occupants and the authorities of the city. Currently; the historic urban fabric of the city is rapidly transforming into modern structures due to increasing effect of the market forces. It is therefore necessary to document and record the forgotten heritage of Karachi as the changes are quickly happening and it may totally replace the heritage into modern buildings. The methodology followed in this research includes the physical observation, site surveys with photographic documentation, and interviews with the local inhabitants during 2010–2011. The results and findings of the research; depicts that heritage buildings are being demolished and replaced by new concrete buildings. Inhabitants find demolition an easy way out rather than going for an exclusive conservationist approach. Only few examples are available where restoration and conservation of heritage buildings took place as per individual efforts of local community without any technical knowledge or support of professional architects or conservationists. The main conclusion drawn in this paper is that; “If the heritage buildings continued to be replaced with present day modern concrete structures, one day the whole glorious past of the historic core of Karachi may be lost. In such circumstances the systematic recording and documentation is a vital tool to make sure that these historic premises are kept in well preserved state to be handed over to the future generations.” In order to make it a reality it is recommended that local community’s efforts may be enhanced and the government officials may be trained in community based systematic conservation strategies for the conservation of the old city heritage in mega city Karachi.
Journal of Art, Architecture and Built Environment, 2020
Modern Karachi has a fragmented multifaceted social formation while its historic core presents a ... more Modern Karachi has a fragmented multifaceted social formation while its historic core presents a diverse range of historical attributes of heritage. The increasing urban population contributes heavily to its degradation including historical attributes. There is no effective heritage legislation and there are conflicts between what people do and what the government institutions do. Consequently, there is chaos and deterioration in the inner city.
The city has been developing fast and the government has proposed many projects for the revival of the historic core of the city. However, most have not been successful. The objective of this research is to examine this situation in which heritage buildings face a serious threat. The research focuses on one such project i.e. Empress Market: the restoration and redevelopment of its historic precinct. It adopts physical observations, archival analysis, site surveys with photographic documentation, and interviews with the local shop dwellers (specially to focus on the historical evolution of the building) as the research techniques. The findings show that, the state of deprivation of the historic core of Karachi is reflection of a collective devastation of the precinct in terms of social and historic values which is further supported by the non-prevailing heritage legislative system. The paper also digs about the existing state of Empress Market, as a precedent of the British colonial past of the city and the urban blight occurred to it over the time in various forms of vandalisms and the numerous restoration plans proposed for it over the years.
Books by Tania A L I Soomro
Springer Nature, 2023
Urban metabolism (UM) is the sum of processes for which cities mobilize, consume, and transform t... more Urban metabolism (UM) is the sum of processes for which cities mobilize, consume, and transform their resources for built environments to function effectively. It consists of interrelated processes working at various urban levels forming an intricate socio-environmental network to achieve urban sustainability, including adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. As significant components of historic urban areas, heritage buildings are adapted for appropriate functions to prolong their lifespans. This standard practice is an ideal solution for reducing adverse environmental impacts of the construction industry given that new buildings consume energy and resources and have large carbon footprints. Moreover, the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings increases socio-cultural viability and promotes ecofriendly environments. This practice of rehabilitation and reuse has been studied vastly. However, the relationship between urban metabolism and heritage buildings from an ecological perspective has not largely gained scholarly attention. Hence, this chapter explores this relationship by advocating that reuse and conservation are ecological principles and that adopting existing infrastructure such as historical buildings and increasing their life cycles contributes toward desirable urban metabolism. This brings down cost and time of construction, requires less resources, retains a set of materials for longer periods for metabolic processes, and promotes environmental and social sustainability. The chapter reviews relevant literature and specific adaptive reuse case studies in urban areas around the globe including restoration and redevelopment of singular or multiple heritage buildings that display significant positive environmental impacts such as addressing resource depletion and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The chapter also highlights the ecological aspect of a built environment concerning sustainable supply of materials and energy required for a desired urban metabolism. Based on this, the research builds a case for conservation and adaptive reuse to be employed as an important indicator for urban metabolism through maintenance and management of historical urban built environments.
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Papers by Tania A L I Soomro
The city has been developing fast and the government has proposed many projects for the revival of the historic core of the city. However, most have not been successful. The objective of this research is to examine this situation in which heritage buildings face a serious threat. The research focuses on one such project i.e. Empress Market: the restoration and redevelopment of its historic precinct. It adopts physical observations, archival analysis, site surveys with photographic documentation, and interviews with the local shop dwellers (specially to focus on the historical evolution of the building) as the research techniques. The findings show that, the state of deprivation of the historic core of Karachi is reflection of a collective devastation of the precinct in terms of social and historic values which is further supported by the non-prevailing heritage legislative system. The paper also digs about the existing state of Empress Market, as a precedent of the British colonial past of the city and the urban blight occurred to it over the time in various forms of vandalisms and the numerous restoration plans proposed for it over the years.
Books by Tania A L I Soomro
The city has been developing fast and the government has proposed many projects for the revival of the historic core of the city. However, most have not been successful. The objective of this research is to examine this situation in which heritage buildings face a serious threat. The research focuses on one such project i.e. Empress Market: the restoration and redevelopment of its historic precinct. It adopts physical observations, archival analysis, site surveys with photographic documentation, and interviews with the local shop dwellers (specially to focus on the historical evolution of the building) as the research techniques. The findings show that, the state of deprivation of the historic core of Karachi is reflection of a collective devastation of the precinct in terms of social and historic values which is further supported by the non-prevailing heritage legislative system. The paper also digs about the existing state of Empress Market, as a precedent of the British colonial past of the city and the urban blight occurred to it over the time in various forms of vandalisms and the numerous restoration plans proposed for it over the years.