INTERTWINING FATES Architecture Celebrating the Co-existing Lifestyles of Balochistan

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.