URBAN CONDITION: A VOLUMETRIC PUBLIC REALM FOR COMMERCIAL LAHORE

Abstract

Every city carries within it a memory of gathering: the unplanned meeting, the late-night conversation, the shared bench, the paused moment. Lahore once lived through such gestures, but its rapid urban metabolism has pushed these quieter rituals to the edges. In the rush to build upward and consume faster, the city has forgotten to build places for simply being together. This thesis begins with that gap: between what cities have become and what people continue to need. Urban centers are densifying at a rapid pace, and so is commercialization in this evolving metropolitan era; this advancement is eventually growing the demand for equitable and socially cohesive civic infrastructure. This thesis aims to explore the potential of multi-scalar architectural interventions in retrofitting highly commercialized environments to create inclusive, walkable, and socially engaging public experiences. The typology under focus is a prototypical "Urban Condenser" that can cater to the expectations and preferences of a diverse urban demographic present in and around MM Alam that seeks civic sanctuary and collective belonging within the hyper-commercialized corridors of Lahore. The aim is to investigate how theories of cross-programming and event architecture can help to inform the design of real-world public infrastructure. While exploring acoustic buffers, cross-programmed zones, adaptable voids, transitional networks, and ecological relief as core principles, this research helps to create an environment that not only subverts the chaotic auto-scape but also offers a unique and equitable experience for the public. There will be comprehensive literature reviews, predictive urban modeling, case studies, and on-ground behavioral surveys to understand existing theories, concepts, and practices related to collective memory, spatial design, and sensory zoning for conceptualizing and developing a design proposal for this urban intervention. Various design strategies, multi-level networks, and programmatic arrangements are investigated to create an environment that maximizes walkability, sensory comfort, and civic inclusivity. The proposed design aims to create flexible and adaptable civic spaces that can cater to the diverse needs of Lahore’s evolving population, fostering a sense of community and social interaction. The expected outcomes of this research include a design proposal for a layered urban condenser that incorporates an elevated aerial armature and reclaimed ecological ground, as well as a deeper understanding of the potential benefits and challenges associated with integrating civic sanctuaries into high-density commercial strips. The findings of this study contribute to the discourse on South Asian urbanism and provide valuable insights for architects, planners, and developers seeking to create more socially cohesive and anticipatory public spaces in the rapidly densifying city