Abstract:
Over time, public spaces have become more impersonal and urban environments have become
fragmented. Historical and social bonds have weakened and cities have become collection of
individuals. The city of Jhelum has a very rich history that is not well known to a lot of people.
Mughals, Sikhs, The British and others have found an abode in the city and left their marks. It is
important that we translate these layers of time and cultures through architecture to hold on to
what's left of our past.
Q: How can we, by using inclusive processes, create accessible spaces to help overcome the
fragmentation in cities? How to make public spaces more inclusive?
This thesis intends to create a platform for various types of human interactions and learning
processes, encouraging people to break through the monotony of life for their mental and
psychological well-being and to spend their structured and unstructured time engaging with
people and nature. The intent is to rekindle historical ties and weakened social bonds, and
overcome the fragmentation in the society to make a more integrative community. For a city to
work, there is need for permeable public spaces where everyone is welcomed and encouraged
to interact with each other. The idea is to create spaces that could bring out emotions and
allow users to associate memories to a place.
