Architecture of Reinvention: Interweaving the tangible with the intangible

Abstract

Storytelling and narratives have been the oldest form of communication in human culture. These stories, myths and metaphors form a major part of our shared narratives, which help to shape human experiences. These end up forming a part of our tangible/intangible heritage. There are a multitude of reasons why information is shared this way. But one thing that is common among different cultures is often using architecture as a place for embedding these narratives. As science and technology has evolved, so have the modes and representation for telling stories. There are many new technologies and mediums that help shape the way these stories are relayed and experienced based on human perspective. One such medium is the use of art as an expression. In the context of Pakistan, Museums are such structures that have the capacity to act as a vital source of information and repositories of art and culture. But lack of interactive and engaging designs and displays results in this knowledge being lost somewhere in between. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to reinvent architecture as a vehicle for storytelling through the intermixing of art and technological trends. This idea is explored in the form of a museum as a social catalyst which extracts its narratives from the history and culture of Pakistani art and its evolution with time. This allows the museum to not only act as a tool for commemoration but also serve as a crossroads between tradition and innovation. By splitting the cultural history into a collection of built and unbuilt exhibits, an immersive journey is created which familiarizes the user with dynamic experiences of art expression. By using the latest media technologies along with 12 traditional techniques, an invigorating discourse is encouraged which not only allows learning but also allows the visitor to leave their own mark. Use of digital galleries, animations, cinemas, and interactive computer games adds a new facet to exploring history. The aim is to make people an active part of the narrative so that they can take ownership of their culture and also make it accessible in a different setting. It is also to establish the evocative power of art which has been used as a major source of dissemination and anchoring from the beginning. So that not only a connection is established between the visitors but also such experiences are also used to add an identity to our public spaces