Dharkan: Architecture as Celebration of Spiritulity and Art

Abstract

This thesis aims at re-activation of spaces that enfold spirit of mystical practices to promote cultural dimensions of Sufism by forming a dialogue between spiritualism, culture, context and architecture. The aim is creation of places that solemnize the spirit of mystical cultural practices prevalent in our context. The research explores influences of Sufism upon cultural aspects of architecture, poetry, literature and music. Main objective of this project is the visualization of a formal architectural place-setting for celebration and revival of spiritual arts. This is done through activation of passive spaces in contextually rich heritage spaces through place making strategies. This process implies usage of architectural program as a catalyst for generation of cultural activities to revive the genius loci-spirit of this place"1 and preserve it for future. Architectural program is used as a mediator to form a connection between the user and place. The contextual setting chosen for this project is in the city center of Multan. This site has rich cultural heritage which has been crafted through influential Sufis who settled here. The intent is to uplift this space by integrating programs/activities that can celebrate its spatial character and thus, truly revive it. So, the architectural intervention, in this context, is conceived as a cultural container for revival and exploration of spiritual characteristics in art, music and literature.