EVERYDAY LEISURE: Adding a focal point to Ayub National Park

Abstract

One of Asia's largest parks sits in the heart of Rawalpindi. Ayyub Park holds the potential to generate substantial revenue and act as an identity marker for the city of Rawalpindi. Pakistan is expanding its tourism industry and the twin cities (lslamabad & Rawalpindi) are a primary pitstop for people visiting the northern regions of the country. Moreover, leisure is an integral part of quality life. Something we all strive for. The developmental aspects ofplay cannot be ignored as merely frivolous and to reap its benefits fully, quality play and entrainment options must be an integral part of everyday life. This thesis explores the existing forms of recreation and identifies the gaps in "extreme" architectural models of theme parks, tourist resorts, and entertainment districts. An architectural response is generated to cater to the inherent problems of Ayyub Park and proposes socially conscious solutions in a consumer-driven environment. The research is primarily qualitative with a major focus on interviews with the users of Ayyub Park and the residents of the twin cities. The appeal of contemporary concepts of architectural performance, inclusion, and interactivity is rising. Here, architecture plays a primary role in vitalizing spaces by satisfying the users' needs for inclusion and participation. A flexible transformable architecture model based on placemaking techniques will be used to house well-rounded activities that cater to a broader user group and increase engagement in their everyday life. The mix-use recreational complex houses numerous public spaces predicated on experiential entertainment, social and physical well-being, and integration of nature. It aims for constant year-round activation of the site. Such a space will serve as a model for reimagining public spaces in which quality leisure is accessible to all and is an integral part of their everyday life