Form, Space, and Urbanism: An Urban Housing Project Inspired by Jane Jacobs Idea of Vibrant Streets & Neighborhoods of Androon Lahore | Bachelors Design Project

Site Context

Site Context: The project site is located along Burki Road, directly opposite the Lahore School of Economics. Covering an area of 58 acres (464 kanals), the site consists of existing agricultural land and is surrounded by open fields and small villages. The neighboring context includes residential developments such as the Defence Housing Authority (DHA), privately owned farmland, and nearby villages.

Program: The proposed development includes residential houses and apartments, public buildings, parks, a mosque, a security center, a fire and safety center, and a graveyard. Additionally, it incorporates recreational and sports facilities, along with other miscellaneous amenities. Students working on the project have the flexibility to expand the program as needed. For further program requirements, reference should be made to the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) by-laws.

Design Process

Inspired by the intimate streets, neighborhoods, and overall communal life of Androon Lahore, the design process begins with the intention of capturing the essence of Androon Lahore within this housing project. Drawing from Peter Eisenman’s process of extraction, abstraction, and reconfiguration, the initial phase involves studying the geometries of Androon Lahore. The primary contextual references include the Badshahi Masjid, the Lahore Fort, and the general street network of Lahore. These landmarks hold significant historical and cultural importance for the city. The illustration explores the abstractions of these shapes in relation to one another and their connections within the urban fabric.

In the next phase, these shapes are broken down into smaller fragments and reconfigured through shearing, rotating, scaling, and transforming. The modified shapes are then aligned according to a ‘contextual site grid’ system, which is generated separately. This approach ensures that the historical shapes adapt to the alignment of present-day contextual lines.

Following this alignment, the contextual site grid onto which the abstract shapes are superimposed is introduced. This grid is derived by extending the grid lines of a neighboring housing society (DHA) and overlapping them onto the site.

At this stage, all elements—including the abstracted shapes in their transformed state, the road network of Androon Lahore, and the site grid—are superimposed onto the actual site. This reconfiguration generates a new architectural and urban framework, forming the foundation for the planning and design process.

The shapes are then translated into three-dimensional forms, creating a novel architectural system. Though abstract in nature, these forms generate spatial pockets that can be reimagined into architectural and urban solutions. Emerging solely from abstract reasoning, this system of architecture and urbanism is original, unpreconceived, and free from imitation. It remains authentic to its conceptual foundation.

Finally, the speculative forms undergo another phase of reconfiguration, this time with an urban lens, to facilitate their realization within a tangible urban context.

Final Outcome

This design process takes inspiration from Peter Eisenman’s proposal for Hundarian’s Budapest, where he reimagines the city’s south gate as a dynamic and intricate urban form. Moving away from conventional grid or concentric layouts, his approach draws influence from Villa Adriana, establishing a planning methodology rooted in experimentation and artistic exploration. Similarly, this project follows a process-driven approach that challenges traditional planning norms, resulting in a unique and intellectually engaging architectural and urban intervention.

At its core, the design critically addresses Pakistan’s deeply entrenched societal issues, particularly the stark divide between the elite and lower classes. The elite, entrenched in a system of privilege and patronage, often operate beyond legal and social accountability. This project goes beyond merely acknowledging these disparities; it actively seeks to create spaces that foster inclusivity and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Drawing inspiration from the essence of Androon Lahore and informed by Jane Jacobs’ critique of conventional urban planning, the design does not conform to rigid planning principles. Instead, it prioritizes space-making and user experience. For example, the commercial zone is envisioned as more than just a collection of shops and markets where residents engage in routine transactions. Instead, it is designed with a spatial and visual hierarchy—shops seamlessly connect to the street, which then expands into a public space that links to the main road. This hierarchy is further disrupted through split-level arrangements, fostering an interactive and dynamic commercial environment.

The project places a strong emphasis on safety and community by incorporating spatial transparency. Thoughtfully designed visual connections between shops, streets, and public spaces facilitate natural surveillance, creating a secure and welcoming environment. Communal spaces are integrated into the urban fabric in two distinct ways—either juxtaposed with ornamental bridges and ramps inspired by abstract geometries or seamlessly embedded within the cityscape. In both cases, these spaces encourage social interaction and engagement among residents.

A conscious effort has been made to promote pedestrian-friendly spaces by minimizing the road network and reducing road widths to prioritize walking. By emphasizing pedestrian movement over vehicular access, the design cultivates a human-scaled urban experience, transforming streets into lively social spaces rather than mere passageways for cars. This approach not only improves walkability but also strengthens the sense of connection within the community.

Additionally, the residential street network is designed to be as organic as possible while remaining compliant with relevant bylaws and regulations. By developing interconnected street arteries and integrating semi-public spaces within residential clusters, the design fosters vibrancy and social cohesion, ultimately creating a neighborhood that is both dynamic and safe for its residents.

Conclusion: This project redefines urban living by prioritizing walkability, community, and spatial transparency. It challenges conventional planning, addresses societal issues, and fosters a vibrant, inclusive environment, envisioning a more connected and human-centered future.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]