Abstract:
Monuments and memorials are commonplace in the world; commemorating things of
significance, documented using iconic form, scale, or a particular location of import.
This thesis is concerned with the role and social repercussions of monuments and
memorials in the contemporary era. While they are built upon substantial, rational
causation and have a greater story behind them, unfortunately, local monuments and
commemorative structures have been reduced to only visual entities and artifacts. My
thesis wi investigate how a national monumental structure is working in the capital
territory of Pakistan.
While the narrative of the Pakistan monument elaborates upon national strength and
cultural cohesion, the people of Pakistan merely have a visual connection with it. I believe
that Pakistan Monument can do much more than just look into the past; it should be multifaceted
and more socially relatable.
The project is to be designed such that the monument stands in the foreground with its
symbolic presence and the introduced spaces act to bolster the narrative behind its
conception, creating ripple effects for a social revival for the people of Pakistan.
Architectural space will become the medium where social dialogue and discourse can be
triggered. The idea is that the monument shouldn't only reminisce the past, but critique
the present and discuss the future.
The chosen site is a national resilience park. Celebrating the resilience of the nation and
providing platform for discussion and debate over the current affairs, ultimately allowing
the people of Pakistan to shape and formulate their future.
