Distinct yet Connected: Architectural response to the ethos of Bohra Culture

Abstract

Architecture is one of the physical manifestation and symbolic expression of a cultural identity. It has the unique ability of showcasing a culture in a magnified manner, the ability to start a dialogue or help in educating visitors and viewers of different backgrounds. This thesis aims to highlight the features and aspects that construct the cultural identity of Dawoodi Bohras; to bring to mainstream attention, the presence of a specific introverted ethnicity or religious community through architecture. The intent of the thesis is to bring together the people of other cultures and to showcase the rich cultural attributes of the Dawoodi Bohra community as well as the many other minor ethnicities and religious communities constituting Pakistan. A cultural center - a public spectacle for the community is designed as a product that allows Bohra Community to showcase their rich culture while also allowing other underrepresented ethnicities an opportunity to promote their culture and encourage wholesome inter-cultural interactions to create an environment of acceptance, reverence and mutual support. The project takes inspiration from the spatial nature of one of the spaces inhabited by the community. ‘Mujtama’ is a communal zone where a Bohra gathers, interacts and integrates with the community. The temporal and communal nature of Bohra Mujtama has been exploited in the design of the project.