CARAVANSERAI: A Metaphorical Space to find Common Ground

Abstract

From extracting information on how local context effects human interaction, their needs and desires, we can begin to understand the potential of architecture as a tool to change people's lifestyle and bring them together as a community. This can result in a typology that caters to individual needs as well as build cross cultural linkages while utilizing the environment effectively. It is essential to understand the context to determine what it demands, what the people there demand and what intervention it needs. Once that is done, you start adding supplementary, bonus features that while addressing the basic needs, uplifts the general quality of life of the users. Here lies the capacity of architecture to inject the "sense of place" while creating valued social interaction domains. This thesis proposes an architectural design for a Caravanserai on the outskirts of Rawalpindi, alongthe G.T. Road. The inn explores the concept of a caravanserai as a metaphor for a successful platform of exchange and communication. Where it was used as a stop for traders and merchants along Silk Route in the olden days, here it serves as a temporary abode for the travelers coming to the hospitals near the site. This acknowledges the need of a place to stay for the attendants coming along with the patients from far off places. Set adjacent to the S.O.S Village, a number of bus stops and plant nurseries, the proposed caravanserai sits on a sunken site near the ending edge of the Soan Bridge overlooking the Soan River. Three lines of inquiry structure this thesis. The first is finding a contextual problem and provide an architectural solution for it. Two, building for the poor. Finally, the thesis, explores the use of local material such as adobe for construction and still maintain an aesthetically sound design and experiential spaces. The aim of the design is to achieve places where the people can find spaces of relaxation and calm as well as open spaces acting as social activators. The design seeks to study the elements of a traditional caravanserai and morph them according to the site in the proposed inn. This will include. Another aspect of the thesis is the self-sustaining part that will act as a source of revenue generation for the serai. This houses a plant nursery combined with a restaurant, along with paid services for the travelers of the G.T. Road.