MELODY CINEMA SQUARE: Regeneration of a Social Landmark

Abstract

The man of this present modern society is trapped in this daily hectic routine to meet the day to day demands. The pursuit to meet these needs leaves a vacuum in the mind to indulge his nostalgic longings. The third place is the dwelling in which one can entertain these aspirations through recreation. Studying urban public squares as manifestation of these social activities on an urban level, Islamabad G6 Melody Market has been taken as the investigation premise. The G6 Melody Market is one of the oldest markaz (or civic centre) of the 55 year old capital city. While the markaz has witnessed the city's evolving urban landscape, it was unable to transform or sustain its own identity as a major urban centre. The aim is to restore the Melody Market as the city's social landmark through re-design of the market's two activity anchors; the Melody Cinema and the Food Park. Reintroduction of these programmes into the market shall generate "communal public places"; places which preserve collective memories of the society in its brick paved pathways, amphitheatres and wooden benches under the shade of the neem trees. This continues with the authenticity of the Melody Market's character of connecting with its loyal visitors on a nostalgic experiential level.