Abstract:
Balochistan is rich in culture and history consisting of 26 districts, each heterogeneous in
composition. Thus, the Ba loch people's identity is an admixture of various ethnic, racial, and
linguistic groups that have changed over time. Three lifestyles: nomadic, semi-nomadic, and
the settled exist in the realm of the province. They exist in harmony and have evolved
through time with different livelihoods and cultural norms. However, there is a gap in the
awareness of this specific identity and evolution. The current museums in Balochistan that
represent this identity are simply inadequate and only welcome a specific user group,
seeming alien to the average person. To tackle this problem, a space is introduced through
the lens of immersive architecture. A purposive museum, that combines the principles of
social spaces, to garner maximum users of multiple age groups, to achieve retention of
exhibits displayed, and to generate a collective hub of education. The spaces created will be
based on three major principles: reinforced assimilation, cognitive perception, and
retroactive association. It becomes evident to not only pinpoint where certain practices
came from but also, to focus on the people's co-existence. The three principles are based on
a review of experience economy model, social space design, museum design, and the role of
narrative in immersive architecture. Secondly, a survey was conducted amongst the people
of Balochistan to determine their interest in visiting such a facility. Here, the responses
generated pointed to a keen interest in the project as well as an eagerness to learn about
Balochistan's history, culture, and traditions. As a result, a purposive museum is created,
following the design strategies of escapism, rhythmic circulation, place-making, and sensory
application. For the future, aiding the CPEC vinculum, the museum aims to become a symbol
of identity to promote educational tourism throughout the country.
