RETHINKING: A PUBLC COMPLEX

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.