The bridge: Architecture of Cultural Diplomacy

Abstract

Pakistan's unique geopolitical position and its historical ties with nations worldwide, both Muslim and non-Muslim have always elevated its role as a pivotal player in the theater of global diplomacy. With such a prominent stance, there is a need for Pakistan to extend their diplomatic strategies beyond political and economic ties and focus upon the promotion of soft power through means of socio-cultural or public diplomacy. Presently, Pakistan hosts numerous embassies, each representing unique cultures and political identities. However, security concerns limit public access to these embassies, restricting cultural exposure to the public as well as opportunities for cross-cultural exchange. Thus, this architectural thesis project endeavors to address the compelling need for an International Center for Cultural Diplomacy in the heart of Islamabad, Pakistan. The center's multifaceted purpose extends to both honoring Pakistan's illustrious history of international relations and creating a dynamic hub where a rich tapestry of cultures seamlessly intertwines. The envisioned center, far from being static, aspires to be a vibrant cultural platform, offering a year-round haven for exhibitions and artistic expressions that capture the essence of diplomacy's multicultural mosaic. Moreover, the center, as a testament to Pakistan's commitment to global peace and collaboration, will actively facilitate international diplomacy. It will serve as a prestigious venue for hosting meetings, conferences, and forums that attract global dignitaries throughout the year. Furthermore, the center will enhance cross cultural exchange through the provision of workshops and spaces for not only the imparting of cultural knowledge to the visitors but also for the exploration and formation of new intercultural relations through skill-sharing and artistic discourse. This thesis will evaluate and analyze primary data in the form of interviews of foreign officials and secondary information in the form of precedent studies, research papers and previously conducted user analyses of both the locale and those pertaining to the project. This research will then be converted and translated through architectural design strategies which when married to the complexities of the site will form an architectural solution that brings together the common person and the identities presented by the foreign representatives in Pakistan, fostering important cultural and artistic relationships and understandings across borders.