The Kinetic Oasis A Vernacular-Industrial Synthesis for Sustainable Hospitality in the Cholistan Desert

Abstract

For the Cholistan Desert, architecture becomes the important link between adventure hospitality of the present day and culture of heritage. To survive the rugged conditions of the Cholistan ecology, it is recommended in this thesis to design a super-efficient resort that utilizes both advanced structural technology and local architecture norms. This architecture would be characterized by the construction of 45° conical thatched roofs, made from native reeds Khar and 10-feet thick base, earth-stabilized and covered with a light tensile fabric membrane. With a size of 9 acres, the master plan would be based on the vertical "Hydraulic Core" concept. It would be represented by a tower featuring a water tank of 72,000 gallons as well as a rain collecting Toba with its capacity of 5,000 sq. feet. In this way, instead of uncontrolled seasonal visitors, one may consider creating an environmentally sustainable complex by placing 342 inhabitants within the restricted area. Overall, the suggested architectural prototype is capable of delivering a strong sense of contemporary architecture with the respect to the neighbouring Derawar Fort heritage