Exploration of place-making in a neighborhood: Socially sustainable neighborhood

Abstract

The thesis initiated as a study of urbanization and the effects it causes in respective areas. Urbanization is a phenomenon of population shift from rural to urban areas, "the gradual increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas", and the ways in which each society adapts to the change. It predominantly results in the physical growth of urban areas, be it horizontal or vertical. The population increase in Islamabad during the past decade has affected the infrastructure of some areas in the capital. Urbanization in the capital has caused increase in housing demand resulting in construction of low rise apartment buildings in various regions of the capital mainly F-11, G-11, E-11 and 1-8. In all of these sectors except for F-11 controlled construction is done that makes sure the quality of living. While in F-11 the scenario is a bit different, apartments are constructed side by side, only twenty feet apart from each other that results in low light and ventilation quality. The apartment complexes are designed in the area to fit maximum possible apartments leaving less negative spaces behind. This scenario results in formation of a neighborhood that is not socially sustainable and creates awkward environment for the residents. The site has currently fifteen apartment buildings in use and more are to be constructed in future yet there are no congregational spaces present in the locality. The concept of privacy is enforced on the user creating more segregated spaces and less interaction between people of the neighborhood. The thesis aims towards the creation of a neighborhood that rejuvenates the essence of community living and promotes social interaction. The idea is to strengthen the relationship between people and the places they share. There are certain pockets located in the area that are not a feasible location for building an apartment building as they are surrounded by many buildings already, these locations are sold by CDA for construction already. The thesis aims towards using such a pocket to create a building whose primary function is to reside people in it but it also acts as a space that makes people of the building and the neighborhood to connect with each other. The structure itself provides an interactive atmosphere to the residents within the building and acts as a social hub by providing congregational spaces for the neighborhood.