Abstract:
Taxila is a world heritage city that holds immense cultural and architectural significance. It
has a large number of Buddhist monuments, monasteries, ancient remains and landmarks
that make the city an important area for local as well as international tourists.
This thesis deals with the introduction of a Visitor Center that aims on rejuvenating the
ancient city as well as on enhancing the current urban fabric coexisting with it. It will capture
the essence of the city, encapsulating both the past and present. It offers an exuberant
experience of the dual attributes of the old and new city that run parallel to one another.
Being called the 'City of Stones', Taxila is the hub of rich culture and crafts. It provides an
opportunity to signify the eminent stone craft of the city as well as enhance its primitive
architectural features established by ancient civilizations. It will provide a platform to local
artists and craftsmen to showcase their work and to amalgamate the dead and live
characteristics of the city. It will offer a hierarchical experience to the users, incorporating
the contextual elements in the design proposal. It will reincarnate the memory of the city
and manifest its gradual development over the centuries.
The architectural intervention incorporates the contextual programs and features brought
together on one platform in order to signify their characteristics. The spatial configuration of
the programs denotes the overall experience of the city. The design induces a sense of
arrival in the city and provide a learning experience for the users regarding the city's
eminent features.
