Microscopic Macrocosm: Lalkurti Bazar as a Film Set

Abstract

In the ever-evolving urban landscape of Rawalpindi, Pakistan, the vestiges of history echo through the neglected and decaying structures that bear witness to bygone eras. Among these architectural remnants stands the enigmatic Tasweer Mahal Cinema in Lalkurti Bazar, a poignant relic of the 1930s, silently beckoning to be revitalized as a beacon of cultural and community significance. This thesis embarks on a multidisciplinary exploration of the abandoned cinema, intertwining the intricate threads of adaptive reuse, placemaking, and community building to weave a narrative of renewal. The cinema, along with the social and contextual reality of Lalkurti Bazar, inspires the articulation of this thesis in the form of a narrative: an approach that aids the exploration of the interplay of film and architecture. The resulting architectural proposal becomes a set for an intricately articulated romantic trilogy. At its core, this research is rooted in a profoundly human-centric approach. Recognizing that architecture's true essence is in its service to the people it shelters, the methodologies are carefully orchestrated to honor this principle. Ethnographic studies will serve as a compass, immersing within the Lalkurti Bazar community to decipher its cultural tapestry, traditions, and aspirations. These dialogues, narratives, and lived experiences inspire the rich narrative that will inform the design. As the tapestry of this research unfolds, it unveils a vision where the Tasweer Mahal cinema transcends its dilapidated state to become a vibrant epicenter of culture and communal engagement. The notion of architecture as a chronological unfolding of spaces, analogous to scenes in a film, stands at the heart of the design exploration. The Tasweer Mahal Cinema is reimagined as a stage upon which the intertwining stories of the real life characters residing in Lalkurti unfold. In this endeavor, not only is a historic monument being restored, but the spirit of community in the heart of Rawalpindi shall also be rekindled, forging a tangible testament to the enduring power of architecture as a catalyst for change.. This thesis aspires to serve as a model for heritage conservation and community development through narrative based design, where architectural revival becomes a catalyst for social cohesion, collective memory, and the rekindling of community bonds and characteristic identity.