SHAH ALLAH DITTA A HIDDEN HISTORICAL GEM

Abstract

Tourism industry in Pakistan is a growing industry. Tourism Industry contributes to various sectors of the economy as well as creates employment opportunities. It is predicted that the GDP from tourism is going to increase from 435 million to 1.8 billion in the years 2012 to 2030. In addition to north the country is much more than a destination for adventure tourism it has lakes forests and beaches. Reviving some of these untamed tourist destinations will not only increase outbound tourism but also inbound tourism as well. How visitor perceive destinations and visually experience it depends largely on how appealing architecture of the destination is. Architecture in tourism is about culture of the place artistic flows and influences that created buildings as they are to have a visual experience and take memory back home. Familiarization of an unfamiliar audience. The site chosen for the project is Shah Allah Dita caves located between Taxila and Islamabad. It's a 2400-year-old heritage site that make the comparatively new city of Islamabad historically rich. However, very few people are familiar with it. CDA's attempt to regenerate the site by adding resorts and expensive restaurants have further destroyed the character of the site. Due to the neglect on government as well as local's part, the site is in brinks of destruction. The idea is to restore the original character of the site .The thesis emphasizes on reviving activities and reclaiming public spaces, also creating a narrative between multiple programs and dialogue with the site, its surrounding and the opportunities created through these spaces to enhance a richer cultural association to the area.