Abstract:
Over the years Rawalpindi has witnessed several narrative shifts — from being a historic
settlement to a garrison city to its current twin-to-lslamabad identity. Today, the race to
compete with the metropolitan capital has led to loss of previous cultural practices in the
inner films of Rawalpindi, in turn leading to fragmentation of the rich cultural heritage of
the context. With an aim to rejuvenate the unique cultural value around College Road and
Gawalmandi, the project focuses on harboring an Interpretation and Resource Centre that
preserves and disseminates knowledge of localised history and artisanal practices through
formal built spaces for these activities. Said crafting practices were quantitatively
documented to narrow down what was historically significant but is now just a memory,
with qualitative data serving as an anchoring point to the cultural significance of the history
and oral narratives. Combining this Knowledge, the space intends to facilitate
documentation: serving locals, academic professionals and inquisitive visitors, Hence, with
a close tie to the local stakeholders involved, the project cultivates ownership in the area,
propelling community-centric research and hands-on production, eventually culminating
as displays for the public.
