THE IN BETWEEN: PEACE AND RECONCILIATION CENTER Architecture Creating a Realm of Unity by Blurring Boundaries

Abstract

After the partition of subcontinent, a significant number of Muslims migrated from the territory of India towards Islamic Republic of Pakistan and massive population exchange took place between the two newly formed states. According to UNHCR, around 14 million Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims were displaced during partition as one of the largest mass migration in human history happened (Refugees). Since then their relations remain complex and brittle which may spill over and give way to a full-blown chaos making India-Pakistan border to be one of the most militarized international boundaries in the world. For several years, residents of both countries have been suffering to travel across the border to meet their divided families, conduct trade and other activities with delays in visa processing, at times taking years to approve (Saha), due to political instability. In February 2015, like several other international organizations the Rotary District 5080 Friendship Exchange Team was unable to observe an event in Pakistan due to political instability (Indus). Several delegations and events over 75 years have been cancelled/postponed due to similar circumstances, damaging Pakistan's image. This thesis aims to bridge the two countries by a healing center using porous architecture for peace and reconciliation. Architecture on volatile border can be a preventative step towards promoting peaceful ties, bringing the people of Pakistan and India closer together in harmony and exploring architectures role in enforcing, implementing and transforming societal order. The premise of this thesis will be to reunite divided families and develop educational and trade ties in a permit-based entrance facility without the requirement of visas. It attempts to design a porous border for intercommunity dialogue and collaboration, giving the citizens ownership of their future by imbedding respect for the stories and memories which make up our collective past to heal from generational trauma.