Guzargah

Abstract

Bus terminals have long been lively social and commercial hubs, serving as vital anchors within cities and communities. These vibrant places attracted people for various activities in addition to their transportation role. They provided many amenities, such as stores, restaurants, and public services, resulting in a lively and dynamic environment. These terminals were typically architecturally significant landmarks, expressing the city's particular cultural and architectural identity while offering a sense of arrival and departure that embraced the spirit of travel and discovery. However, bus terminals in Pakistan suffer considerable obstacles, resulting in a lack of social and commercial liveliness comparable to their global equivalents. Poor planning, insufficient infrastructure, and a lack of facilities make it difficult for travellers to have a positive and smooth experience. Congestion, safety, sanitation and a lack of facilities all contribute to the perception that these places are transitory rather than long-term constructions. Thus, there is a need to reconsider transport terminals in Pakistan, perceiving their capacity to act as thriving social and business focuses inside urban communities, encouraging local community commitment and financial development while ensuring an inviting and welcoming climate for all who travel. This research project intends to investigate the interaction between temporal and permanent places through the architecture of a bus terminal in Islamabad, Pakistan. The goal is to study how the concept of ephemeral permanence may be used to build a transit centre that serves not only as a utilitarian facility but also as a vibrant social hub. The design strives to build a feeling of place and foster a lasting relationship between the terminal and its users by using features that symbolise both transience and permanence. Keywords: Terminal, Hub, Ephemeral permanence