MUSEUM OF DEMOCRACY: Shifting the Paradigm of democratic architecture in Pakistan

Abstract

Despite being officially labeled as a democracy, Pakistan has been awarded a 4.31 on the EIU democratic index, categorizing Pakistan as a Hybrid state i.e., part democratic and part authoritative. However, a subtle shift towards democracy has been observed since 2010. Historically, it has been observed that for any rule to be successful, whether it be democratic or aristocratic, it needs to involve the public in civic matters along with civic spaces e.g. the Athenian agora or the bazaar and diwan-e-aam leading towards the shahi mahal in Mughal capitals. In Pakistan, where the power should reside in the people, there is a distinct lack of public involvement in civic spaces. Another alarming situation is the lack of active democratic knowledge among the people and a lack of knowledge about their rights as well as their responsibilities. So, keeping these observations in mind, a Democractic Museum for the capital city is proposed. It will include museum spaces, a youth center, and gathering spaces for the public to collaborate. A learning and recreation facility that celebrates the city's diversity as its greatest asset and promotes civic engagement through highly versatile spaces to experience history, enjoy food and revel in the unique urban landscape of the capital. It will also allocate space for a research center, which will provide scholars and researchers with access to the archives and resources related to Pakistan's democratic history. Such a space will encourage democratic participation and learning, which in turn will facilitate the subtle shift towards a more democratic approach. Knowledge is power and the knowledge of their history and rights will give power back to the people. The complex will amalgamate extensive architectural volumes that gradually dissolve into the landscape and translate spatial "democracy" through transparency, transformability, and accessibility. The programs and design principles were derived through a literature review of democratic architecture, architecture of power, community rights, and the role of architecture in shaping public opinions and knowledge. Additionally, two surveys were circulated among the residents of Pakistan to gauge their interest and thoughts. The center will nod towards the duality of Pakistan's government system through its hybrid nature, democratic spaces that have axial (authoritative) entrances, and an undulating subterranean structure that also boasts landmark elements visible from a distance. The museum and galleries will depict the democratic history of the country, and seminar halls will educate the people about their rights as democratic citizens of Pakistan. In conclusion, the proposed museum will be an architectural masterpiece that not only showcases the democratic history of Pakistan but also serves as a symbol of hope and inspiration for the future of democracy in the country.