CURATING CHAOS- A TRAIN OF TALES A RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Abstract

Railways hold a significant value in the hearts of our people and our cultural and emotional landscape due to being the greatest dramatic persona in screen history, its association with partition stories and being romanticized in literature, and poetics deeply rooted in our context and reality. It is woven into the fabric of our collective memories and daily lives and evokes stories of adventure, partings, and reunions. This thesis aims to transform these intangible elements into physical embodiments within architectural spaces, capturing the emotional and social significance of railways. Despite their rich cultural significance, the current state of railway infrastructure in Islamabad fails to meet modern demands. The mechanized and fast-paced nature of contemporary life has led to a loss of the emotional and social connections that railways once fostered. This thesis addresses these issues by advocating for the construction of an innovative railway station that not only enhances connectivity but also serves as a tangible representation of the myriad emotions associated with train travel. The goal is to create a vibrant urban hub that revitalizes the city's social fabric and fosters a sense of belonging among its users. Furthermore, what space could better embody a connecting pulse, a backdrop amidst the daily commotion, where one might glean emotions from passersby, then a transit architecture? Such an endeavor holds the promise of serving as a linchpin for stimulating growth and connectivity as well as existing as a tangible reality to represent the multiple emotions that a train station is connoted to. Building upon this narrative, backed by a live government rail-line project, this research employs a meticulous methodology, drawing from primary and secondary sources, to craft a comprehensive design for the envisioned railway station. A thorough examination of existing models, technological innovations, urban planning principles dramaturgy in architecture and poetics of railways, informs the station's design, ensuring it aligns seamlessly with Islamabad's unique needs and aspirations. By integrating dramaturgical strategies within the architectural design, the thesis creates an experiential space that enhances emotional stability and elevates the social fabric of Islamabad.