Architecture for the public?

At its most basic, Architecture is a definition of space - i.e. a space defined for a specific or variable function. To an average Pakistani, this is where architecture begins and also where it ends. The perception of house has not developed beyond the idea of a shelter, and purpose built buildings have yet to find their way into the minds of our people. Hence, architecture prevails as a highly elitist profession, service and concept; the awareness of which, is also restricted to elitist circles.

The afore mentioned example of a house, holds true for all architecture. The vaguest perception of a public building to a lay mind is still a mosque and probably extends a bit to a hospital; apart from this, that also is very a superficially developed concept of a shelter. The reason for this (for the lay man that is) might lie in Islamic history and teachings, which solicited simple lifestyles and did not advocate extravagant structures and luxurious spaces. From another point of view though, all this wasn’t prohibited either.

Excluding this possible but vague religious factor, there are many easily understood socio-economic, historic and cultural factors leading to this. Let us examine some of them as follows. Being a poverty stricken country with borrowed high ideals and goals, the most major aim in even a higher middle class Pakistanis life is to make ends meet. A home is definitely one of the primary priorities on the agenda, but it easily and most frequently slips to secondary status – such is the mental state of an average Pakistani. Let us examine the approach of one, through an example.

If a lay man is asked what he wants for an office space, his response is likely to be very simple; i.e. just rooms, large enough to accommodate two or more people with their respective furniture. Although he might know well the cosmetic treatment of the space, for instance, the carpet, the upholstery etc; this person will barely understand the needs for circulation, inter-personal interaction, efficient space utilization – especially for mechanized functions e.g. photocopier, micro-climate control and an environment conducive to maximum productivity. Thus displaying, a lack of awareness of the “power” of architecture.

As we study this example further, the client in question is of the opinion that the workforce can adjust themselves to the workplace. It is this attitude, as a result of which we see cases like the Karachi Passport Office housed in old barracks, causing the staff and public a lot of inconvenience.

Nevertheless, if an average businessman in the downtowns of a city in Pakistan is asked for his requirements for a shopping plaza, he is most likely to list shops, shops and more shops; storey upon storey. Again, he will also know in-depth about the required “cosmetic” treatment, e.g. glass facades, brightly lit display windows/ panels, dream-like capsule elevators, impractical air-conditioning and possible power backup.

In this case also, the supposed client does not spare even a thought to other important agenda such as, parking space, natural lighting and ventilation, customer and staff comfort, effective circulation, solid/void balance and the energy efficiency of the building.

An assessment of this example highlights ruthless capitalism, and the perception of a mall being a  temporary  space for customers; where the staff is expected to  adjust for the sake of livelihood. A physical representative of this The Rabi Centre; over crowded, congested and suffocating, yet frequented for its attractive wares. This also represents customers’ mentality – voiced as an interest in wares, not giving any importance to the environs of such.

These attitudes, sadly, infiltrate clients that require complex institutional functions            , such as hospitals and schools. They may understand the needs for clear uninhibited circulation, and services in relation to the function; but most will still be adamant upon covering each square foot in construction, regardless of how constructive it is in purpose.

This approach results in severe hierarchical problems, especially in terms of traffic. Zonal organization, transition areas and noise levels within and outside the building are also not given a thought to; resulting in spaces such as an Operation Theater adjoining an almost public space as a General Ward. Or, pertaining to a school, the library being next to a noisy playground or Kindergarten! I have even come across a library that houses a music room! Hence, disrupting traffic efficiency in case of an emergency or just causing disturbance in terms of noise.

Some hospitals are such that a healthy person starts feeling ill upon entering them. So are some schools, they completely defy their purpose, making the students just want to run away; the curiosity of even the young students’ impressionable minds is not aroused.

Most hospitals do not take into account the need for environments to accelerate the recovery process; how much does it take to incorporate a small interactive space with board games or a mini library? Not much. Yet, we are not inclined to do it. Similarly, in schools, the need for supplements to the learning process – through books – is not understood. Auditoriums, art display spaces, libraries, playgrounds, even small garden spaces – to have lunch maybe – are not encouraged. Even the simplest things, such as creating seating directly under a tree are not considered.

Very few hospitals show signs of developing waiting areas, making visiting and nursing a repulsive experience. This holds true for schools also; where it can become excruciating for children to wait for their transport.

The thought process behind such avoidable blunders remains the same; maximum utilization of space to make room for provision of services - which is a good thing - , but done with a lack of sensitivity towards the users.

These buildings, though public, are insensitive to not only its users, but also to the environment, context and social needs. These buildings do not address universal accessibility. Does that imply that a child with polio cannot attend a regular school? Yes. Most malls, parks, museums do not have bathrooms. They do not even have dustbins! Let alone bathrooms; and transition spaces – staircases, corridors - are the least thought about or designed. These buildings lack character, i.e. they can be used to serve almost any other function, with little or no alteration.