Argument

Imagination is not synonymous for a Utopian mirage; but deals with an ability to encounter
scenarios with subjective vantage. My definition of Life’s Course ties with my ability to imagine.
I see and breathe through my intuition, the very reason I saw marginalized people as a class of
strong willed breadwinners, ready to endure life even at the price of their skin. Why then do we
hesitate to empathize with these beings when they are resorted for our sole entertainment and so
it continues to grow as we draw our lines through economic stature and cultural dichotomies.
This is where I disregard the equation as both factors are variables and can be challenged through
revised conceptions about spatial narratives.

We are well versed that architecture shapes a nation both culturally and psychologically. Hence
spaces we breathe through can be an extension to address the aforementioned issue. I grew up in
a realization that division lies not in a masonry wall but one’s perception. Living in a vicinity of
multiple backgrounds, I shared the same playing field as others. Discrimination was a far-fetched
thought. Why can’t then, that same naivety be brought back to this ever increasing globe of
cooperate relations? We can’t stake integrity for racial and social discrimination.

What better way than to make people inhibit spaces where, if not all but to an extent tone down
this disparity. To celebrate spaces as labyrinths of emotive responses and cultural diversification.
The same labyrinths which echo life, its struggles , and its spontaneity. I often sense that people
despise complex spatial sequences. A maximalist’s approach is seen rather clichéd and an
inappropriate artistic expression. But life doesn’t predict itself in any way possible. I doubt clean
lines and crisp tectonics echo the trials life throws at us. Maybe that is what my spatial narrative
ought to be. Layered intricacies of spatial sequences weaved into each other through ontological
aspects, serving and befitting to the marginal outgrowth. Heralding archaic notions through
rejuvenating cultural moments. Deriving a sense from the vernacular and reinventing a
contemporary vocabulary resonating to the individuals who walk within. For what is an idea that
doesn’t involve a broader aspect, allows itself to mould, to be flexible enough as to encapsulate
the community. Hence I propose the Sustainable Berry, an incentive to revive a stigmatized
node, for the betterment of the people of Murree. Since many stakes are to be heard, I’ve
classified them as follows:

The Farmer’s Dilemma

Because of lower agricultural output in recent years, many farming units of Murree have vacated
or migrated to adjacent cities of Islamabad & Rawalpindi. This influx has resulted in inflation
and unemployment in these urban centers. The foremost cause of such circumstances is the lack
of up gradation these farmers require to face the ever changing climate of Murree. Unpredictable
weather patterns subject a huge lot to damage. Terraced cultivation on these lands limits the
yield. And water provision allies as a hindrance. Hence production hardly exceeds the tehsil
district. As of 2020, a majority does not rely on agriculture as their livelihood. This abandonment
has adversely affected the biome of Murree as agricultural land is contested for commercial
sprawl. Clearly the costs for this community out weight their benefits. Therefore I propose to
define a dialogue between the current situations these communities are countering.

The Curated Cocoon

Even though existing in the same vicinity, the mentioned institutions draw contrasting lines on
economic and social stature. While convent and Lawrence College caters the elite, Punjab scouts
facility trains it's middle class recruits for the open wild. It's seems as if their pockets monitor
any odds of exchanging glances.

Therefore by introducing horticulture into the curriculum, a communal learning experience can
be brought about; irrespective of societal backgrounds.

The objective of this exploration aims to research the many layers and potentials hidden in such
landmarks. Like a living entity, the program's identity forms as a reaction from its surroundings.
But most importantly it compasses to the inherent fact that such stigmatized nodes can not only
contribute to a community's livelihood, but also initiate ventures to diminish hierarchial
distinctions only when we are able to see beyond prejudices. Maybe that is the naivety i seek for,
maybe that is what architecture ought to teach.

The onsite program grows onto the existing footprint. The latter is organized such that spaces
bleed into one another. This not only allows for a flexible prospect but pronounces liminal spaces
as active nodes varying the user’s perception as an emotive journey from intimate to communal,
exclusive to inclusive.

The proposed vocabulary is extracted from the existing structure which is puntured with
numerous arches (round & segmented). Therfore, the form borrows a primary element, resulting
in architectonics which resonate the former but illustrate a contemporary context.